Some snacks are simply timeless. The kind that make you feel like a kid again, bring people together at parties, and disappear off the plate within minutes. That’s exactly what this ham and cheese sticks recipe is all about—a comforting, crispy, cheesy treat that’s incredibly easy to make and even easier to love.
Whether you’re preparing game-day snacks, after-school bites, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these golden, gooey sticks deliver every time. They were a favorite in my childhood lunchbox and are now a go-to in my home kitchen—served warm with mustard, ranch, or marinara, they never last long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Quick & Easy – Just 20 minutes from prep to oven.
- Family-Friendly – Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable – Use your favorite cheeses or add seasonings.
- All-Season Snack – Ideal for school lunches, picnics, parties, and cozy nights in.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 8 slices deli ham (thin, but not too thin)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Roll and Layer
On a floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly to flatten. Spread a thin layer of mustard (if using), then lay 4 slices of ham over each sheet. Sprinkle half the cheese over the ham.
3. Fold and Slice
Fold the pastry over lengthwise like a book. Gently press to seal. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 8 sticks per sheet (16 total).
4. Twist and Brush
For added flair, gently twist each stick and place it on the baking sheet. Brush each stick with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and seeds, if desired.
5. Bake and Serve
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite dip.
Dipping Ideas
- Spicy mustard
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey sriracha
- Garlic aioli
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overfill: Keep cheese and ham close to the center to avoid leaks.
- Cool slightly before eating: The cheese inside will be molten hot fresh out of the oven.
- Use baking weights: If you want them to stay flatter, bake under a second tray for the first 8 minutes.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sticks, freeze them raw, and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Variations to Try
- Croissant Style: Use crescent roll dough for a fluffier texture.
- Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and use breakfast sausage instead of ham.
- Keto-Friendly: Use low-carb tortillas or almond flour dough.
- French-Inspired: Add a smear of béchamel for a croque monsieur twist.
Perfect For…
- School Lunches: Kids love them warm or room temp.
- Game Day Snacks: Serve on a platter with sauces.
- Picnic Baskets: Wrap in foil for easy transport.
- Brunch Buffets: Offer a variety with different cheeses and meats.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or air fry for 3–4 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze baked sticks up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack all work great.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the ham or substitute with roasted veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge until baking.
How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry (found in specialty stores) and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Do they taste good cold?
They’re best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature—great for lunchboxes or picnics.
Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe : The Anytime Snack
- Total Time: 25
Description
Some snacks are simply timeless. The kind that make you feel like a kid again, bring people together at parties, and disappear off the plate within minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 8 slices deli ham (thin, but not too thin)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
On a floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet slightly to flatten. Spread a thin layer of mustard (if using), then lay 4 slices of ham over each sheet. Sprinkle half the cheese over the ham.
Fold the pastry over lengthwise like a book. Gently press to seal. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into 8 sticks per sheet (16 total).
For added flair, gently twist each stick and place it on the baking sheet. Brush each stick with beaten egg and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and seeds, if desired.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Don’t overfill: Keep cheese and ham close to the center to avoid leaks.
- Cool slightly before eating: The cheese inside will be molten hot fresh out of the oven.
- Use baking weights: If you want them to stay flatter, bake under a second tray for the first 8 minutes.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the sticks, freeze them raw, and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Sticks
