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Ham and Cheese Sticks

Ham and Cheese Sticks

Ham and Cheese Sticks are a quick, delicious, and versatile snack perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime you need a savory bite. Featuring salty ham and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a golden egg wash finish, this easy-to-make recipe delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Puff Pastry Sheets (thawed if frozen) – quantity as needed to make 8-12 sticks
  • Deli Ham – sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, about 6-8 ounces
  • Cheddar Cheese – grated or sliced, about 1 cup
  • Egg Wash – 1 beaten egg, for brushing

Optional Ingredients

  • Mustard or Mayonnaise – thin layer, as desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Thaw puff pastry sheets if frozen and lay them out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Slice the ham into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, and grate or slice the cheddar cheese for easy assembly.
  2. Assemble the Sticks: Cut the puff pastry sheets into even strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. On each strip, place a layer of mustard or mayonnaise if using, then add a slice of ham followed by an even sprinkle of cheese.
  3. Roll and Seal: Gently roll each strip starting from one edge, encasing the ham and cheese inside the pastry. Pinch the edges lightly to seal and form a neat stick shape.
  4. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each rolled stick with beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden crust after baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted inside.

Notes

  • Use cold puff pastry to maintain its flakiness during baking.
  • Do not overfill the pastry strips to prevent leakage and ensure even cooking.
  • Cut pastry strips evenly for uniform baking.
  • Brush a second layer of egg wash halfway through baking for extra gloss.
  • Cool sticks on a wire rack to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham and cheese sticks, puff pastry appetizer, easy snack, party appetizer, cheesy snacks, quick bites