Ham and Cheese Sticks: The Flaky, Cheesy Appetizer You’ll Keep Making
Few things are more satisfying than crispy, golden puff pastry filled with melty cheese and savory ham. These Ham and Cheese Sticks are a quick, no-stress snack or party bite that look fancy but take less than 20 minutes to pull together. Perfect for brunch spreads, after-school snacks, or your next game day appetizer table.
These twisted beauties are buttery, flaky, cheesy, and have just the right touch of salt and flavor. Even better? You can prep them ahead and bake them fresh when the crowd rolls in.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s everything I want in a savory snack: fast, cheesy, crispy, and satisfying. The puff pastry gives them a beautifully golden, buttery crunch. The ham adds that salty, smoky bite, and the cheese—whether melty cheddar or nutty Swiss—brings the gooey magic.
Add a little Dijon mustard for zing or skip it for a more classic combo. Either way, it’s a recipe that never sticks around for long.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz sliced ham
- 4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss work best)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cheese options: Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella are great substitutes.
- Ham alternatives: Try prosciutto, turkey slices, or veggie deli slices.
- Add-ons: Sprinkle a little paprika, garlic powder, or sesame seeds on top before baking.
- No Dijon? You can use honey mustard or skip entirely for a kid-friendlier version.
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly for a more even layer.
- Spread Dijon mustard (if using) in a thin layer over the pastry.
- Lay down ham slices and sprinkle cheese evenly on top.
- Cut the sheet into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Twist each strip a few times and place on the baking sheet.
- Beat the egg and brush the tops of the twists for that golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and crispy.
- Serve warm, ideally right from the oven!
Tips for Success
- Thaw puff pastry in the fridge for a few hours or overnight—don’t rush it in the microwave.
- Keep the pastry cold while working—it puffs better.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle shredded Parmesan on top before baking.
- These are best fresh, but you can prep and refrigerate the twisted sticks ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These ham and cheese sticks shine on their own, but you can pair them with a dipping sauce or build a snack board around them. Here are some great complements:
- Serve with honey mustard, marinara, or a Beer Cheese Dip
- Add to a game day spread with Dorito Casserole or Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Follow with something sweet like No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Turn it into a full brunch with a main like Instant Pot Lasagna
Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or 350°F oven to crisp them back up.
- Not freezer-friendly after baking, but you can freeze them before baking—just brush with egg wash and freeze on a tray, then bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Hungry for more cheesy snacks and no-fuss meals? Here are more favorites:
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls
- Dorito Casserole
- Instant Pot Lasagna
Final Thoughts
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are the snack you didn’t know you needed. Easy to make, universally loved, and endlessly customizable—they’re a staple in my party rotation and a go-to when I want something cozy and fast.
If you give them a try, leave a comment or tag @chefmaniac in your photos. Don’t forget to follow for more simple snacks and comfort food hits straight from the kitchen!
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