Ham and Cheese Sticks

by

Flaky crescent dough wrapped around smoky deli ham and gooey cheddar sticks, brushed with a buttery Dijon-poppy seed glaze — a quick and irresistible snack or party appetizer!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Dietary: Comfort food, Kid-friendly

Ingredients

  • Crescent dough sheets – 2 tubes

  • Deli-sliced ham – 1 lb

  • Cheddar cheese sticks – 8

  • Butter – ¼ cup, melted

  • Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp

  • Dijon mustard – ½ tbsp

  • Dried minced onion or onion powder – ½ tbsp

  • Poppy seeds – ½ tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Prepare dough: Roll out crescent dough sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 equal pieces for a total of 8 pieces.

  3. Assemble sticks: Place ham slices on each dough piece. Add a cheddar stick on top. Fold in the ends and roll tightly to seal.

  4. Arrange: Place prepared rolls on the baking sheet.

  5. Make glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion, and poppy seeds.

  6. Brush & bake: Brush glaze over each roll. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

  7. Serve: Enjoy hot, fresh from the oven!

Quick Notes & Pro Tips

  • Seal tightly: Press dough edges firmly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.

  • Cheese options: Use Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a fun flavor twist.

  • Make it mini: Cut each dough sheet into smaller strips for bite-sized party appetizers.

Why You’ll Love It

These buttery, cheesy sticks are the ultimate quick snack or appetizer — perfect for game day, lunchboxes, or when you need something warm and satisfying in minutes.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Dough: Substitute with puff pastry or pizza dough for a flakier or chewier texture.

  • Ham: Try turkey, prosciutto, or even pepperoni for different flavor profiles.

  • Toppings: Add shredded Parmesan or Everything Bagel seasoning before baking.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Dipping sauce: Serve with honey mustard, marinara, or ranch.

  • Breakfast twist: Swap ham for cooked bacon or sausage and add a sprinkle of scrambled eggs inside.

  • Party platter: Make double or triple batches for a crowd — these disappear fast!

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or air fry for a crispier finish.

  • Make-ahead: Assemble rolls and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes — freeze unbaked assembled sticks. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks?
A: Absolutely. Just mound it in the center before rolling (and seal carefully).

Personal Note

This recipe is my go-to for easy entertaining — it feels like a fun upgrade from a ham-and-cheese sandwich but takes almost no time at all. That buttery poppy seed glaze? Pure magic.

Your turn!
Tried these Ham and Cheese Sticks? Leave a comment or tag me on social media — I’d love to see your twist on them!

Leave a Comment