Introduction

Ham and Cheese Sticks are a deliciously warm and savory snack perfect for any time of day. Wrapped in flaky crescent dough, these bites combine melted cheddar and savory ham, enhanced with a flavorful butter glaze. They’re quick to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

A white plate holds several rolled pastries that have three visible layers: a pink ham layer in the center, surrounded by a soft creamy yellow melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden-brown baked dough that is speckled with black pepper and has a slightly crispy texture. The pastries are arranged close together, showing the cheese melting slightly out of the ends. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll out the crescent dough sheets and cut each sheet into 4 equal pieces, making 8 pieces in total.
Step 3: Evenly distribute the deli ham over each piece of dough. Place one cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece. Fold the ends of the dough inward, then roll up each piece to fully enclose the filling.
Step 4: Arrange the prepared sticks on the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion, and poppy seeds. Mix well to create the butter glaze.
Step 6: Brush the butter mixture generously over each ham and cheese stick to add flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your Ham and Cheese Sticks fresh from the oven!

Tips & Variations

Try using different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat crescent dough for a healthier option.
If you don’t have poppy seeds, sesame seeds are a good substitute to add crunch.

Storage

Store leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate is filled with several rolled pastries, each made of a flaky golden-brown outer layer with melted cheese baked on top, sprinkled with black pepper. Inside, there are visible layers of thin pink ham and gooey melted yellow cheese that oozes slightly from the ends. The rolls are stacked closely together, showing a slightly crispy texture on the outside and soft, warm layers inside, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sticks and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Ham and Cheese Sticks?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled but unbaked sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.