Ham and Cheese Sticks
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are the ultimate comfort food turned crowd-pleasing appetizer! Made with flaky crescent dough, gooey cheddar, and savory sliced ham, this easy cheese sticks recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick snack. Each stick is brushed with a flavorful butter glaze featuring Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you're serving them with dipping sauces or enjoying them straight from the oven, these cheese sticks deliver big on flavor. Quick to prep, freezer-friendly, and always a hit—this ham and cheese snack will become your new go-to for delicious appetizers!
Ingredients
Dough and Fillings
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks
Glaze
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll your crescent dough onto a clean surface and press together the perforations to create rectangular sheets.
- Add the Filling: Place a slice of ham across each dough rectangle. Lay a cheese stick at one end of the ham slice.
- Roll It Up: Start rolling from the cheese end, wrapping the ham and dough around it. Pinch the edges to seal tightly and keep the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out for even baking.
- Brush with Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Generously brush each roll with the mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Keep Dough Cold: Work with cold crescent dough to ensure a flaky, crisp texture in your Ham and Cheese Sticks.
- Seal Tightly: Pinch the seams firmly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Freeze Cheese Sticks: Chill cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes before assembly to minimize melting in this appetizer.
- Egg Wash Option: Brush with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) before baking for an extra glossy finish on your Ham and Cheese Sticks.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sticks rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the cheese and avoid burns.