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Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe: A Simple, Tasty Appetizer

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When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers, few dishes can rival the classic pairing of ham and cheese. The irresistible combination of savory ham and gooey melted cheese wrapped in soft, buttery dough is the perfect snack or party treat. Today, I’m going to share with you my go-to recipe for Ham and Cheese Sticks—an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Ham and Cheese Sticks:

  • 2 tubes of crescent dough sheets
  • 1 lb. of deli-sliced ham (thinly sliced for easy rolling)
  • 8 cheddar cheese sticks (or your preferred cheese)
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ Tbsp dried minced onion or onion powder
  • ½ Tbsp poppy seeds
  • Master the Perfect Pot Roast with Potatoes & Carrots

Why Ham and Cheese Sticks Are a Must-Try

If you’re looking for a snack that’s both versatile and tasty, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are the answer. They are quick to prepare, easy to bake, and they hit all the right flavor notes: salty, cheesy, and buttery, with a delightful crunch on the outside. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a satisfying snack, these sticks are the perfect solution.

Now, let’s get into the heart of this simple yet scrumptious recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks

easy-ham-cheese-appetizer

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature to ensure the dough bakes evenly, creating a golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the filling. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the sticks from sticking during the baking process.

2. Prepare the Dough

Take out your crescent dough sheets and roll them onto a clean, flat surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal pieces, giving you a total of 8 dough squares. Crescent dough is the ideal choice here because it’s light, flaky, and easy to work with, ensuring your sticks bake up beautifully.

3. Layer the Ham and Cheese

Evenly distribute the ham slices across all 8 dough pieces. Be generous here—this is where the savory flavor comes from. On top of the ham, place a cheddar cheese stick. You can experiment with other types of cheese if you’d like, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little spice.

4. Roll Up the Sticks

Fold in the ends of the dough to encase the ham and cheese, then roll each piece tightly to create neat, sealed rolls. This step ensures that the cheese melts perfectly inside without spilling out while baking. The sealed edges also help the dough puff up nicely, creating those irresistible layers of flaky goodness.

5. Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion (or onion powder), and poppy seeds. This flavorful mixture will be brushed on top of the sticks before baking, adding a delicious savory coating that enhances the overall taste.

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Why This Butter Topping Takes Your Sticks to the Next Level

The butter mixture is what transforms these simple rolls into something extraordinary. The Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor, while the Dijon mustard gives the sticks a slight tang. The dried minced onion brings in a subtle sweetness, and the poppy seeds provide a crunchy texture on the outside. Together, these ingredients create a perfectly balanced flavor that complements the ham and cheese filling.

6. Brush the Sticks with Butter

Generously brush the butter mixture over each roll. Make sure to coat the entire surface so that every bite is infused with flavor. The butter not only enhances the taste but also gives the sticks a beautiful golden color as they bake.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the prepared sticks on your lined baking sheet, making sure they have enough space between them for the dough to expand. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the sticks turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once your Ham and Cheese Sticks are out of the oven, serve them hot to enjoy the gooey, melted cheese in its prime. These are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a variety of dips like honey mustard, marinara sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Looking to switch things up? Try these variations:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes inside the rolls for a spicy twist.
  • Different Cheese Options: Replace the cheddar with Swiss or Gruyère for a nutty, rich flavor.
  • Herbed Butter Topping: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the butter for an aromatic touch.

Real-Life Example: My Family’s Favorite Game Day Snack

Whenever there’s a game day or family gathering, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are a staple on our snack table. I remember making these for the first time when my kids were little. They loved them so much that I started experimenting with different cheeses and meats, and now it’s a tradition in our house to have them for any big event.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can make it ahead of time and just pop them into the oven when your guests arrive, which saves me a lot of stress in the kitchen. And they always disappear within minutes, leaving everyone asking for the recipe!

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Ham and Cheese Sticks are the epitome of a quick, easy, and satisfying snack. With minimal prep time and a short bake time, you can have these ready in under 30 minutes. They’re ideal for parties, game days, or even as a simple afternoon snack for the kids.

The combination of ham and cheese wrapped in buttery dough makes these sticks comforting and familiar, yet the butter topping elevates them into something special. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can customize them to suit any flavor profile you want.

Final Thoughts: Make Ham and Cheese Sticks Your New Favorite Appetizer

If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are a must-try. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a snack that’s sure to impress your guests (and yourself!). Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out a fun variation, these sticks will quickly become a favorite in your household.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake the best Ham and Cheese Sticks you’ve ever tasted. Happy cooking!

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 8

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