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Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

4.7 from 56 reviews

Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delicious, savory appetizer featuring layers of ham and cheddar cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough, brushed with a flavorful poppy seed glaze, and baked until golden brown. Perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings, these bites offer a perfect combination of gooey melted cheese, hearty ham, and a crisp, buttery exterior.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
  • 1 pound deli-sliced ham
  • 8 cheddar cheese sticks

For the Glaze

  • 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 equal pieces so you have 8 pieces total, providing the perfect size for wrapping the filling.
  3. Assemble Sticks: Evenly distribute the deli-sliced ham on each piece of dough. Place one cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham, then fold in the ends of the dough and roll tightly to fully enclose the cheese and ham inside.
  4. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the prepared ham and cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each so they bake evenly.
  5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion (or onion powder), and poppy seeds. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.
  6. Brush Sticks with Glaze: Generously brush the butter mixture all over each wrapped stick, ensuring an even coating for rich flavor and a beautiful golden color when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve your Ham and Cheese Sticks hot for the best melty, savory experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute the cheddar cheese sticks with other cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
  • If you don’t have dried minced onion, use onion powder or finely chopped fresh onion, adjusting the quantity to taste.
  • To make these ahead, assemble and brush the sticks, then cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh just before serving.
  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the sticks from sticking to the pan.
  • These sticks freeze well before baking; place on a tray to freeze individually and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Keywords: Ham and Cheese Sticks, crescent dough appetizer, savory snack, party appetizer, baked ham and cheese, cheesy crescent rolls