Description
Easy Ham and Cheese Sticks are a quick and delicious snack featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around smoky ham and melted cheese. Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a cozy treat, these bite-sized sticks deliver a crispy exterior and gooey center with minimal prep and bake time.
Ingredients
Pastry and Dough
- Ready-made puff pastry dough (1 sheet, approx. 12×9 inches)
Fillings
- Sliced ham (enough to evenly cover dough, about 4-6 thin slices)
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (½ to ¾ cup shredded or thinly sliced)
Toppings and Finishes
- Egg wash (1 beaten egg)
- Butter (optional, 1-2 tablespoons melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pastry Base: Thaw your ready-made puff pastry according to package instructions. Once soft, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 9 inches. Keep the dough cool to ensure it remains flaky.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Evenly spread thin slices of ham over the entire dough rectangle. Then sprinkle or layer your choice of cheese on top of the ham, being careful not to overload so the sticks bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Roll and Cut: Starting at one long edge of the dough, carefully roll it into a tight log. Pinch the edges to seal and prevent leaking. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick sticks.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush each stick with egg wash to achieve a glossy golden finish. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for expansion. Optionally, brush a bit of melted butter on top for extra flavor. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Keep dough cold: Warm dough can be sticky and won’t puff up properly, so chill before using.
- Thin layers: Avoid overfilling with ham and cheese to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Sharp knife: Use a sharp blade to cut clean edges on your sticks, helping them bake uniformly.
- Egg wash timing: Brush just before baking to lock in moisture and achieve a golden crust.
- Cool slightly before serving: These sticks are best warm but allow a few minutes to prevent burning your mouth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham and cheese sticks, puff pastry snack, savory appetizer, party snack, kid-friendly recipe
