Ham And Cheese Sticks

Need a quick, cheesy snack? These ham and cheese sticks are perfect—easy, melty, and so fun to eat!

You get warm, gooey cheese wrapped with salty ham, all baked until golden and yummy. Every bite is cozy and delicious.

Perfect for snacks, lunches, or party trays. Super fast to make. Super hard to stop eating.

Grab some ham, grab some cheese, and let’s roll up a tasty snack right now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: These ham and cheese sticks always disappear fast. They’re simple enough for kids to love and tasty enough for adults to sneak a few extras.
• Quick and Easy: You’ll need just a few minutes of hands-on time before the oven does the rest of the work.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Customizable: Swap the cheese, add a little spice, or even tuck in some spinach if you want to mix things up.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

• Makes about 8 sticks, depending on how you slice the dough. Enough for 4–6 people as a snack.

Difficulty:

• Very easy — perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick recipe.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter
• Small Bowl (for butter mixture)
• Pastry Brush (optional)

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Crescent Dough Sheets: Soft, buttery, and ready to roll. If you can’t find sheets, regular crescent rolls will work — just pinch the seams together.
• Deli Sliced Ham: Go for thin slices that fold easily. Smoked ham adds great flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese Sticks: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but any firm cheese stick will do.
• Butter: Melted, to brush on top for that golden, rich finish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, slightly tangy depth to the butter glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a hint, for a little kick that balances the richness.
• Dried Minced Onion (or Onion Powder): Tiny bits of onion flavor that make a big difference.
• Poppy Seeds: For a little crunch and a classic bakery look.

Variations for Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Swap the Cheese: Try mozzarella sticks for an extra melty pull, or pepper jack if you want a little spice.
• Add a Spread: Smear a thin layer of honey mustard or ranch dressing on the dough before adding the ham for extra flavor.
• Use Turkey or Chicken: Thinly sliced turkey or chicken deli meat can replace the ham if you prefer a lighter option.
• Sprinkle More: Add a little shredded cheese inside along with the stick for a cheesier center.
• Make Mini Sticks: Cut the dough smaller to create bite-sized versions for parties or lunchboxes.

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

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the sticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. If you’re using perforated crescent roll dough, pinch the seams together carefully to make one large sheet.

3. Cut and Layer

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Place a slice of ham on each rectangle. If your ham slices are large, you can fold them to fit. Set a cheese stick at one end of each rectangle.

4. Roll Them Up

Starting at the cheese stick end, roll each rectangle tightly, like you’re making a little log. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Make the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced onion (or onion powder). Stir until everything looks blended.

6. Brush and Sprinkle

Brush each rolled stick generously with the butter mixture. Make sure to cover the tops and sides well. Then, sprinkle poppy seeds over the tops for a little texture and extra flavor.

7. Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese starts to peek out from the ends.

8. Cool Slightly

Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They’ll be very hot inside right out of the oven, so a short rest helps the cheese set a little.

How to Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks

These ham and cheese sticks are best served warm, fresh from the oven. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy them:

• As a Snack: Perfect with a little honey mustard or ranch dip on the side.
• At Parties: Stack them on a big platter for easy grab-and-go appetizers.
• For Lunch: Pair them with a simple side salad or a bowl of tomato soup.
• On the Go: Wrap in foil and pack them for picnics, school lunches, or road trips.

Storing Ham and Cheese Sticks

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again. You can also microwave them, but they’ll be a little softer.
• Freeze: After baking, cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Seal Well: Roll the dough tightly and pinch the edges if needed, so the cheese doesn’t leak out too much during baking.
• Use Room Temperature Dough: Let the dough sit at room temp for about 10 minutes before rolling. It’s easier to handle and won’t tear as much.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can make the dough tough.
• Brush Again (Optional): For extra flavor, brush a second coat of butter mixture on the sticks right after they come out of the oven.

Nutrition Information (Per Stick)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210
Protein	~10g
Carbohydrates	~14g
Fat	~12g
Saturated Fat	~6g
Fiber	~1g
Sugar	~2g
Sodium	~480mg

Ham and Cheese Sticks FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sticks, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking.

What other cheese can I use?
Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss cheese work great.

Do I have to use poppy seeds?
No, you can leave them out or substitute sesame seeds if you prefer.

Can I freeze them?
Definitely. Bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Ham and Cheese Sticks are one of those easy recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you need a quick snack, a party hit, or a comforting lunchbox treat, these cheesy little rolls deliver every time. Warm, melty, and packed with flavor, they’re a simple pleasure that’s hard to beat.