Name: Ham and Cheese Sticks – Appetizer Recipes Everyone Will Crave
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed; 6 slices of ham; 6 sticks of cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); Pinch of black pepper

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These ham and cheese sticks aren’t just another appetizer—they’re a comfort-food classic that’s been dressed up for the party. We take savory ham, gooey cheese, and buttery puff pastry, then twist them into something wildly snackable. They’re baked until golden and just crisp enough to shatter with every bite. When we’ve got friends dropping by or game day is around the corner, this recipe saves the day. It hits that sweet spot between impressively homemade and secretly easy. Want to add a little personal flair? Toss in some fresh herbs, a brush of mustard, or try spicy cheese. You do you. Whether you serve them on a platter with dip or sneak one straight from the tray (we won’t judge), these sticks disappear fast. They also make a stellar addition to your party appetizer recipes folder and fit right into those days when you want a recipe appetizer that feels special without feeling like a chore.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe
3) Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks
4) How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks
5) Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Sticks
6) Making Ham and Cheese Sticks Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks
8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!
9) Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Perfect for quick snacks, parties, or lazy dinners
Uses simple store-bought ingredients like puff pastry and deli ham
Customizable with different cheeses or meats
Freezer-friendly and great to prep ahead

2) Easy Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe

I’ve made a lot of party food in my time, but these ham and cheese sticks always disappear first. They’re crispy, gooey, and downright irresistible. You don’t need to have the skills of a pastry chef. You just need one sheet of puff pastry and a little patience while they bake.

This recipe falls under the golden category of appetizer recipes that taste fancy but secretly come together in less than 30 minutes. The first time I made them was for a game night. They didn’t even make it past the first round of trivia. True story. I barely got to eat one myself.

These are perfect for when you need a quick bite or want to round out a table of Indian appetizer recipes or your go-to chicken and cheese recipes. I’ve even served them with Easy Broccoli and Cheese Soup, and no one questioned the pairing. It just worked. So go ahead, roll up something delicious.

3) Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Puff Pastry Sheet: This is the flaky base that makes these sticks so addictive. Keep it cold until you’re ready to use it. Trust me, warm dough gets messy real fast.

Ham Slices: You want thin-cut ham so it folds easily inside the pastry. Go with smoked, honey-glazed, or deli-style. Just avoid anything too thick or it’ll tear the dough.

Cheese Sticks: Mozzarella or cheddar both melt well here. If you want a stronger bite, try sharp provolone. And if you’re feeling fancy, toss in some jalapeño jack for heat.

Egg: The beaten egg acts like glue and gives that shiny golden finish on top. Don’t skip this step—it really makes them look bakery-level.

Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they add a little crunch and a toasty flavor. Plus, they make everything look just a little more thought-out.

Black Pepper: A pinch on top helps cut through the richness. It’s a tiny touch, but it balances the whole bite.

4) How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This saves you from scrubbing off melted cheese later.

Step 2. Roll out the puff pastry and slice it into six rectangles. Work quickly so the dough stays cool. If it gets sticky, pop it in the fridge for five minutes.

Step 3. Lay a slice of ham and a stick of cheese on each rectangle. Roll them up gently, and pinch the ends to seal the cheesy treasure inside.

Step 4. Place each rolled stick seam-side down on the baking sheet. Give them space. They puff up like little golden pillows when they bake.

Step 5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a crack of black pepper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden and puffed.

Step 6. Let them cool for five minutes. They’re hotter than they look. Serve with mustard, ranch, or nothing at all. They hold their own.

5) Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Sticks

Use parchment paper, or you’ll be chiseling cheese off your sheet pan. Ask me how I know. A nonstick mat works too if you have one.

Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry is clingy and tears too easily. You want it firm so it rolls and seals well.

Don’t overload the cheese. It’s tempting—I get it—but too much and it’ll leak out while baking. Less is more when you want those clean cheese pulls.

6) Making Ham and Cheese Sticks Ahead of Time

If you’re prepping for a party, make these ahead and refrigerate them uncooked. They’ll sit fine for up to a day. Just wait to brush the egg wash until right before baking so they still puff properly.

You can even freeze them. Lay them on a tray, freeze until solid, then toss them in a zip bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the time.

This trick has saved my sanity more than once when I needed something fast and impressive. They’re party appetizer recipes done right.

7) Storing Leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks

Leftovers, if you have any, can go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven—not the microwave—or they go soggy.

If they start to lose that crispness, a quick toast at 325°F for ten minutes brings it back. Don’t skip this. Cold puff pastry tastes like defeat.

I’ve even tossed a couple in my kid’s lunchbox the next morning. Still tasty by noon, and not a crumb left behind. That’s a win.

8) Try these Appetizer Recipes next!

9) Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe