Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

The Best Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe For Snack-Time Magic

Crispy, golden ham and cheese sticks might just become your next snack obsession.

Melted cheese oozes through perfectly seasoned ham wrapped in a crunchy exterior.

Comfort food meets finger-friendly magic in this simple recipe.

Anyone can master these delightful bites with minimal kitchen skills.

Ingredients come together quickly, promising maximum flavor in every single bite.

Unexpected guests or weekend movie nights demand these irresistible treats.

Just wait until you see how easily these come together and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Sticks Make Perfect Party Snacks

  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these ham and cheese sticks that wow guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Party-Perfect Convenience: Create delicious appetizers in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute entertaining without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Kid and Adult-Friendly: Versatile snack that appeals to all ages, combining crispy pastry with classic ham and cheese combination everyone loves.
  • Simple Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding herbs, or experimenting with different seasonings to match personal taste preferences.

Puff Pastry Ham & Cheese Sticks Pantry List

Main Pastry Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Light and flaky base that creates a crispy exterior for the snack.
  • Flour: Light dusting helps prevent pastry from sticking during preparation.
Meat and Cheese Ingredients:
  • Ham Slices: Savory protein that adds rich flavor to the pastry sticks.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides creamy, tangy taste.
Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard: Optional spread that adds a zesty, sharp undertone.
  • Beaten Egg: Creates golden brown shine and helps seeds stick to pastry surface.
  • Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds: Optional crunchy toppings for extra texture and visual appeal.

Puff Pastry Ham & Cheese Sticks Party Prep

Step 1: Prepare the Canvas

Warm up your oven to a toasty 200°C (390°F).

Grab a baking sheet and give it a cozy parchment paper blanket.

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Unfold the puff pastry like a delicate map.

For an extra flavor punch, spread a whisper-thin layer of zesty Dijon mustard across the pastry landscape.

Step 2: Create Flavor Layers

Arrange ham slices like a delicious mosaic over half the pastry terrain.

Shower the ham with a blizzard of shredded cheese.

Gently fold the bare pastry half over your cheesy ham paradise, pressing down softly to seal the delicious secret inside.

Step 3: Transform into Twisty Treats

Grab your sharpest knife or pizza cutter.

Slice the pastry into playful one-inch strips.

Take each strip and give it a gentle twist – like you’re dancing with the dough.

Nestle these twisty wonders onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Add the Golden Touch

Grab a beaten egg and lovingly brush each pastry twist.

Want some extra pizzazz?

Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for a crunchy crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the waiting oven.

Let the pastries dance and puff for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery!

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Plate these crispy, cheesy twists while they’re warm.

Watch them disappear at parties, game nights, or just because you deserve a delicious treat!

Hosting Hacks for Puff Pastry Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard before adding ham and cheese for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire appetizer.
  • Use a sharp pizza cutter or knife to create clean, even strips for uniform and professional-looking pastry sticks.
  • Brush with beaten egg to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color and create a glossy, crispy exterior that looks bakery-perfect.
  • Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for added texture, visual appeal, and a subtle nutty crunch that makes these sticks irresistible.
  • Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 200°C for optimal puffing and browning, creating light, crispy pastry every single time.

Puff Pastry Ham Sticks Storage Tips

  • Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Warm pastry sticks at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Heat briefly on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but note this may soften the pastry's texture.
  • Wrap cooled sticks individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes Well With Ham Cheese Pastry Sticks

  • Pair Vibrant White Wines: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich, buttery pastry and salty ham with their bright, zesty notes.
  • Create Refreshing Dipping Sauces: Whip up a tangy honey mustard or herbed aioli to elevate the flavor profile and add an exciting dimension to these crispy sticks.
  • Match Complementary Appetizers: Serve alongside light Mediterranean-inspired bites like olive tapenade, marinated artichokes, or a fresh caprese salad to balance the richness.
  • Select Sparkling Beverages: Chilled prosecco or champagne cut through the pastry's richness, providing a festive and palate-cleansing accompaniment that enhances the overall tasting experience.

Pastry Sticks With Sweet Or Savory Styles

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry made from rice or corn flour. Use dairy-free cheese and turkey ham for additional dietary accommodations.
  • Vegetarian Variation: Swap ham with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Use goat cheese or plant-based cheese alternatives for protein and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute puff pastry with thin slices of eggplant or zucchini. Layer with prosciutto, mozzarella, and fresh herbs for a lighter version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Style: Include feta cheese, olives, and sundried tomatoes instead of traditional ham and cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and thyme for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of ham and cheese?

You can experiment with various ham varieties like prosciutto, black forest ham, or even turkey ham. Cheeses like gruyère, cheddar, or gouda work perfectly and add different flavor profiles.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these ham and cheese sticks?

No special equipment is needed. A basic rolling pin, sharp knife or pizza cutter, baking sheet, and parchment paper are all you’ll need to create these delicious pastry sticks.

  • Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?

Yes, you can prepare the ham and cheese sticks, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • How can I make these sticks look more elegant for a dinner party?

Experiment with herb toppings like fresh thyme or rosemary before baking. You can also sprinkle some finely grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra gourmet touch.

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Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Crispy puff pastry ham and cheese sticks bring savory elegance to any gathering with minimal effort. Flaky layers of golden pastry wrap salty ham and melted cheese, creating irresistible finger-friendly bites you cannot stop munching.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, or mozzarella)

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Topping (Optional):

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly dusted work surface, creating an even rectangular canvas for your culinary creation.
  2. Optional enhancement: Spread a delicate layer of tangy Dijon mustard across the pastry surface, infusing a subtle zesty undertone.
  3. Carefully distribute sliced ham evenly, ensuring complete coverage on one half of the pastry landscape.
  4. Generously cascade shredded cheese over the ham, creating a melty, flavorful foundation.
  5. Gently fold the bare pastry half over the ham and cheese, pressing edges to seal the delectable interior.
  6. Transform the filled pastry into elegant strips using a precision knife or pizza cutter, slicing with confident, smooth movements.
  7. Delicately twist each strip, allowing the layers to create beautiful spiraled shapes that showcase the inner ingredients.
  8. Arrange the twisted pastry sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for proper expansion.
  9. Delicately brush each stick with beaten egg, creating a glossy, golden exterior that promises crispy perfection.
  10. Optionally embellish with a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
  11. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F), allowing the pastry to transform into golden, puffy delights.
  12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a rich, amber coloration and characteristic puffy texture.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving these irresistible ham and cheese pastry sticks.

Notes

  • Butter your pastry sheet lightly to prevent sticking and enhance golden-brown crispiness.
  • Choose high-quality ham and cheese for maximum flavor impact, preferably using aged cheddar or gruyère for richer taste.
  • Consider making vegetarian versions by swapping ham with roasted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or caramelized onions.
  • For gluten-sensitive guests, seek out gluten-free puff pastry alternatives available in specialty grocery stores to maintain recipe’s delightful texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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