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.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 sticks
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pastry sheets used)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each rolled stick with beaten egg to ensure a shiny, golden crust after baking.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham and cheese sticks, puff pastry appetizer, easy snack, party appetizer, cheesy snacks, quick bites