Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ham and Cheese Sticks are a quick, comforting snack featuring golden, flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for satisfying snack cravings or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this easy recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and can be customized with various cheeses, meats, and seasonings to suit any taste.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free puff pastry is used)
Main Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheets – 1 package (usually 2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- Sliced Ham – about 6-8 ounces, sliced into strips
- Cheddar Cheese – 6 ounces, sliced into strips
- Egg Wash – 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional Herbs or Spices – chili flakes, thyme, rosemary, or your choice
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Thaw puff pastry sheets if frozen and slice ham and cheddar cheese into strips of similar size to ensure even filling and cooking.
- Assemble the Sticks: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets. Lay a strip of ham and cheese on top, then fold or roll the pastry to encase the filling completely. Press edges gently to seal and prevent leakage.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk the egg and brush it evenly over the surface of each assembled stick to create a glossy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sticks cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for optimal flakiness.
- Do not overfill with ham or cheese to avoid leakage during baking.
- Cut fillings into even sizes for consistent cooking and appearance.
- Apply egg wash evenly for a beautiful golden finish.
- Monitor oven closely to prevent burning, as temperatures may vary.
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: 55mg
Keywords: ham and cheese sticks, quick snack, appetizer, puff pastry, easy party food, savory snack, cheesy bites
