Ham and Cheese Sticks
There’s a moment when the oven door opens and the house inhales: warm, buttery dough, a whisper of toasted poppy seeds, the savory promise of ham and melted cheddar waiting inside. Each ham and cheese stick offers a satisfying crunch giving way to a stretchy, gooey center — salty ham, sharp cheddar, and a hint of tang from Dijon and Worcestershire. They smell like comfort, taste like a childhood favorite upgraded for grown-up crowds, and feel just-right in your hands: flaky exterior, creamy interior, and a pleasing heft that satisfies.
These ham and cheese sticks are perfect for busy mornings when you want something hand-held and hearty, for casual game-day grazing, or for holiday brunch platters when you need a crowd-pleaser you can make ahead. They’re also ideal for packing into lunches, serving at potlucks, and turning an ordinary weeknight into something a little celebratory.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 27–30 minutes
- Servings: 8 sticks (1 per person; doubles easily)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginners and busy cooks
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (one stick). These are approximate values based on USDA FoodData Central ingredient values and cross-checked with government dietary references; consider them estimates rather than precise lab-tested numbers.
- Calories: ~475 kcal
- Protein: ~23 g
- Carbohydrates: ~27 g
- Fat: ~31 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12–14 g (from cheese and butter)
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugars: ~2–4 g
- Sodium: ~1,060 mg
Notes:
- Sodium is relatively high because of cured ham and cheese. If you’re watching sodium, consider low-sodium deli ham and reduced-sodium cheese. (Source: USDA FoodData Central; for sodium intake guidance, see CDC recommendations.)
Perfect For…
- Entertaining a crowd: Make a batch and watch them disappear at parties or game nights.
- Busy mornings: Warm one up for a filling on-the-go breakfast.
- Kid-friendly lunches or snacks: Easy for little hands and big smiles.
- Comfort food moments: When you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying without fuss.
- Prep-ahead hosting: Assemble ahead, brush before baking, or freeze unbaked for a stress-free gathering.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent dough sheets (about 16 oz total)
- 1 pound (454 g) deli-sliced ham, thinly sliced and separated into 8 even portions
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks (approx. 1 oz / 28 g each)
- 1/4 cup (56–60 g) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion or 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
Optional ingredients and substitutions
- Use mozzarella sticks instead of cheddar for milder, stretchier cheese.
- Substitute turkey or roast beef for ham for a different protein flavor.
- For lower sodium, choose low-sodium deli meats and reduced-sodium cheese.
- For a buttery-herb finish, swap half the poppy seeds for sesame seeds and add 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley.
Step-by-step directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Unroll both tubes of crescent dough sheets and press seams to flatten (if needed). Cut each tube into 4 equal pieces, giving you 8 rectangles total.
- Divide the ham evenly among the 8 dough pieces so each piece has a single layer of ham.
- Place one cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough.
- Fold in the short ends of each dough piece to cover the ends of the cheese, then roll the dough around the cheese and ham to seal. Make sure seams are tucked under so the cheese won’t leak.
- Arrange the prepared sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion or powder, and poppy seeds until combined.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over each stick. This adds flavor and helps create a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until the dough is puffed and golden brown. Watch closely in the last minutes — cheese can burst out if overbaked.
- Remove from oven and let cool 2–3 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot and fresh.
Practical tips
- Seal seams well to avoid cheese leakage. If using very soft cheese, chill sticks briefly before rolling.
- If you want extra crispness, bake an additional 1–2 minutes but keep an eye on browning.
- For even baking, don’t overcrowd the pan. Use two pans if needed.
Serve It Up
- Classic party platter: Arrange sticks on a large board with small bowls of dipping sauces — honey mustard, marinara, or ranch.
- Breakfast pairing: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea.
- Lunchbox idea: Wrap a cooled stick in foil or parchment and include a small pickle or apple slices.
- Elegant twist: Slice diagonally and serve on a platter with arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Kid-friendly snack: Pair with carrot sticks and a yogurt cup for balanced vibes.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Not recommended to leave at room temp beyond 2 hours (food safety).
- Refrigerator: Store cooled sticks in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer to restore crispness.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked, individually wrapped sticks on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to baking time and watching for golden color. If frozen after baking, reheat in the oven from thawed state for best texture.
Chef’s Advice
- Temperature control: If your cheese is very soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling to prevent leaks.
- Dough handling: Press seams to seal and place seam-side down on the baking sheet to help maintain shape.
- Flavor layering: The butter mixture is key — it’s where texture and the poppy seed crunch come from. Don’t skimp.
- Doneness cues: Look for even golden color, puffed dough, and no raw dough sheen. If cheese starts to ooze, reduce heat slightly next time.
- Make-ahead trick: Assemble and freeze unbaked sticks on a sheet tray; once frozen, bag them. Bake straight from frozen for fresh-tasting party food.
Creative Twists
- Veggie-forward: Replace ham with grilled asparagus spears and roasted red pepper slices; use mozzarella for a lighter flavor.
- Spicy jalapeño: Add a thin slice of pickled jalapeño under the cheese and swap Dijon for spicy mustard.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent-style dough (store-bought or homemade) or wrap fillings in gluten-free puff pastry.
- Everything bagel crust: Swap poppy seeds for everything bagel seasoning for onion-garlic-savory notes.
- Vegetarian: Use a plant-based deli slice and vegan cheddar sticks for a fully dairy-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use shredded cheese instead of sticks?
A: Yes — place a narrow strip of shredded cheese in the center and fold tightly, but shredded cheese may melt faster and is more likely to leak than a stick.
Q: My dough browned before the cheese melted. How to fix?
A: Lower the oven temperature by 10–15°F and bake a couple minutes longer, or tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the cheese finishes melting.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours, brushing with butter mix just before baking. Or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months and bake from frozen.
Q: How do I reduce the sodium?
A: Use low-sodium ham or roast turkey, low-sodium cheese, and check the crescent dough label for lower-sodium options.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 325°F for 4–6 minutes to preserve crispness. Microwaving will heat fast but make the dough soft.
Conclusion
Warm, buttery, and undeniably comforting, these ham and cheese sticks are a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and convenience — perfect for busy mornings, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave handheld comfort. Try a batch this week, share a photo of your golden results, and tweak the fillings to make the recipe your own.
For inspiration and more baked ham-and-cheese ideas, check out this take on ham and mozzarella sticks from a popular food blog at Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks. If you’d like another family-tested version and serving ideas, see the classic crowd-pleaser at Ham and Cheese Sticks – Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.
Enjoy — and don’t forget to tell your friends where you found the recipe!
Print
Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Warm, buttery ham and cheese sticks with a crunchy exterior and gooey center, perfect for any gathering or busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent dough sheets (about 16 oz total)
- 1 pound deli-sliced ham, thinly sliced and separated into 8 even portions
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks (approx. 1 oz each)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion or onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Unroll both tubes of crescent dough sheets and press seams to flatten. Cut each tube into 4 equal pieces, giving you 8 rectangles total.
- Divide the ham evenly among the 8 dough pieces so each piece has a single layer of ham.
- Place one cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough.
- Fold in the short ends of each dough piece to cover the ends of the cheese, then roll the dough around the cheese and ham to seal.
- Arrange the prepared sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion or powder, and poppy seeds until combined.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over each stick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, rotating once halfway through, until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Seal seams well to avoid cheese leakage. If using very soft cheese, chill sticks briefly before rolling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1060mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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