Ham and Cheese Sticks: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Snacking

Ham and Cheese Sticks: the ultimate snack-time champion and party appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make! Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; these savory sticks are ready in minutes and disappear even faster. I remember my grandmother making these for every family gathering, and they were always the first thing to vanish from the table. There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of salty ham and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust.

While the exact origins of Ham and Cheese Sticks are a bit hazy, the concept of combining cured meats and cheese within a pastry has been around for centuries, appearing in various forms across different cultures. Think of the Spanish empanada or the Italian calzone – they all share that same delicious DNA! But what makes these particular sticks so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures: the crisp, buttery pastry gives way to a soft, cheesy interior with a satisfyingly savory ham bite. Plus, they’re incredibly convenient. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or a quick and easy appetizer for unexpected guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making them again and again!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
• 8 ounces cooked ham, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, for topping

Preparing the Ham and Cheese Filling:

Before we even think about the pie crust, let’s get our ham and cheese ready. This will make the assembly process much smoother. The key here is to ensure the ham and cheese are thinly sliced. This prevents the sticks from being too bulky and ensures they bake evenly.

1. Lay the ham slices on a cutting board. If the slices are large, you might want to cut them in half or thirds so they fit nicely within the pie crust. We don’t want any ham hanging over the edges!
2. Do the same with the Swiss cheese. Thin slices are your friend. If you’re using pre-sliced cheese, you’re already ahead of the game. If you have a block of cheese, use a cheese slicer or a very sharp knife to get those thin, even slices.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and garlic powder. This mixture will add a lovely depth of flavor to our ham and cheese sticks. The Dijon provides a tangy kick, while the thyme and garlic powder add an earthy, savory note.

Preparing the Pie Crust:

Now for the pie crust! This is where the magic happens. We’ll be transforming those refrigerated crusts into the perfect base for our savory treats. Remember to work quickly, as pie crust tends to get sticky if it gets too warm.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the ham and cheese sticks from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Unroll one of the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out a bit thinner, if desired. This will make the sticks a little crispier. Be careful not to roll it out too thin, or the filling might seep through.
3. Spread half of the Dijon mustard mixture evenly over the pie crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This border will help seal the sticks later on.
4. Arrange half of the ham slices over the mustard layer, covering the entire surface of the pie crust.
5. Top the ham with half of the Swiss cheese slices, making sure to distribute them evenly.
6. Unroll the second pie crust and carefully place it on top of the cheese layer.
7. Gently press down on the top crust to seal it to the bottom crust. Use your fingers or a rolling pin to smooth out any air pockets.
8. Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining pie crust, mustard mixture, ham, and cheese.

Cutting and Shaping the Sticks:

This is where we transform our layered pie crust into individual ham and cheese sticks. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best for this step. Precision isn’t crucial, but try to keep the sticks relatively uniform in size for even baking.

1. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the layered pie crust into strips about 1 inch wide. You can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 4-5 inches long.
2. Carefully transfer the ham and cheese sticks to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each stick. This will allow the heat to circulate properly and ensure they bake evenly.

Egg Wash and Topping:

The egg wash is what gives our ham and cheese sticks that beautiful golden-brown color. It also helps the optional toppings, like everything bagel seasoning, adhere to the surface. Don’t skip this step!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. This is our egg wash.
2. Brush the tops of the ham and cheese sticks with the egg wash. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the sticks with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a wonderful savory flavor and a bit of texture. You could also use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking the Ham and Cheese Sticks:

Now for the final step: baking! Keep a close eye on the sticks as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a flaky crust. The aroma of baking ham and cheese will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the ham and cheese sticks are golden brown and the crust is flaky.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the ham and cheese sticks cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from getting soggy.

Serving and Storing:

These ham and cheese sticks are best served warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. They make a great appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. They’re also perfect for parties and gatherings. If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your homemade Ham and Cheese Sticks! They are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or even a light lunch. The combination of flaky pie crust, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese is simply irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings to create your own unique variations. For example, you could try using cheddar cheese and turkey, or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Tricks:

• Don’t overfill the pie crust. Too much filling will make the sticks difficult to cut and bake evenly.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter. This will ensure clean cuts and prevent the filling from being squeezed out.
• Brush with egg wash for a golden-brown color. This step is optional, but it really enhances the appearance of the sticks.
• Let the sticks cool slightly before serving. This will allow the cheese to set up a bit and prevent it from being too messy.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, heat on high for 30-60 seconds.

Variations:

• Different cheeses: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere cheese.
• Different meats: Try using turkey, roast beef, pepperoni, or salami.
• Different seasonings: Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder.
• Vegetarian option: Use spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables instead of meat.
• Sweet option: Use Nutella and banana slices for a sweet treat.

I hope you enjoy making these Ham and Cheese Sticks as much as I do! They’re a fun and easy recipe that’s sure to please everyone. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Ham and Cheese Sticks are truly a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious snack or light meal. I know I’ve made them countless times, and they’re always a hit, whether it’s for a casual get-together, a kid’s party, or simply a satisfying afternoon treat. The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and flaky pastry is just irresistible. But what makes these sticks so special? It’s the simplicity! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your own taste preferences. Ready to elevate your snacking game? Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started: * Dipping Sauces: Serve these Ham and Cheese Sticks with a variety of dipping sauces. Honey mustard, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a simple Dijon mustard would all be fantastic choices. For a spicier kick, try a sriracha mayo. * Cheese Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Swiss, provolone, or even a sharp pepper jack for a bit of heat. A blend of cheeses can also add complexity to the flavor. * Herb Infusion: Sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary over the pastry before baking for an extra layer of flavor. Freshly chopped parsley or chives can also be added after baking. * Garlic Butter: Brush the baked sticks with garlic butter for an extra savory touch. Simply melt some butter with minced garlic and brush it over the warm sticks. * Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers. * Breakfast Sticks: Turn these into breakfast sticks by adding a scrambled egg mixture before baking. * Pizza Sticks: Use pepperoni and mozzarella cheese with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired twist. Serve with warm marinara sauce. * Sweet and Savory: For a unique flavor combination, try adding a thin layer of fig jam or apple butter before adding the ham and cheese. These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. The possibilities are endless! I truly believe that this Ham and Cheese Sticks recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delicious sticks. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you choose? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of Ham and Cheese Stick enthusiasts! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy baking! Print