introduction
There’s something comforting about the smell of warm dough baking in the oven. I still remember the delicious aroma wafting through the house when my mom would make ham and cheese sticks for our family gatherings. These tasty treats would disappear in minutes, with everyone reaching for just one more. I love making them too, especially when friends come over. This recipe is easy, fun, and makes everyone smile. What’s special about these ham and cheese sticks is how simple ingredients come together to create a delightfully crispy and cheesy snack. You’ll find that they brighten up any occasion, from game nights to casual get-togethers.
why make this recipe
Ham and cheese sticks are the perfect quick snack or appetizer. They are great for parties, movie nights, or even a cozy family dinner. The combination of savory ham and gooey cheese wrapped in flaky dough makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to make and require minimal prep time, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to serve something delicious without too much fuss. Everyone will appreciate the homemade touch, and you might find that they become a regular feature at your gatherings.
how to make Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients:
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Roll out your crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 pieces, so you have 8 pieces total.
- Distribute the ham evenly among the 8 pieces of dough. Place a cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough.
- Fold in the ends of each piece and roll them up to seal.
- Place the prepared sticks on the greased or lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion, and poppy seeds.
- Brush the butter mixture over each stick.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Sticks hot and fresh from the oven!
how to serve Ham and Cheese Sticks
Serve the ham and cheese sticks hot, straight from the oven. They make a great snack on their own or can be paired with a dipping sauce like mustard or barbecue sauce for added flavor. They are also perfect as finger food for parties where everyone can grab one easily.
how to store Ham and Cheese Sticks
If you have leftovers, let the ham and cheese sticks cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
tips to make Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Make sure to seal the dough well by pinching the seams to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- For extra flavor, you can add spices or herbs to the butter mixture, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different twist.
variation
You can make these ham and cheese sticks even more interesting by swapping the ham for turkey or chicken slices. Adding more vegetables, like spinach or roasted bell peppers, inside the sticks can give them a fresh taste too.
FAQs
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture, but the baking time may need adjustment.
2. Are these sticks freezable?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly and store them for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! You can simply omit the ham and add more cheese or your favorite veggies for a delicious vegetarian snack.
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
For the Filling
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham
- 8 sticks cheddar cheese sticks
For the Topping
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
- ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- Roll out your crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 pieces, so you have 8 pieces total.
- Distribute the ham evenly among the 8 pieces of dough. Place a cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough.
- Fold in the ends of each piece and roll them up to seal.
- Place the prepared sticks on the greased or lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion, and poppy seeds.
- Brush the butter mixture over each stick.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Serving
- Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Sticks hot and fresh from the oven!