This recipe for Ham and Cheese Sticks is a perfect snack for any occasion. You’ll need crescent dough sheets, deli-sliced ham, and cheddar cheese sticks. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet. Roll out the dough and cut each sheet into four pieces. Place ham and a cheese stick on each piece of dough, then roll them up. Brush with a glaze made from melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and poppy seeds. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve these delicious sticks hot with your favorite dips.
Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delightful and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Combining the savory flavors of ham and cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough, these sticks are perfect for any gathering or quick meal. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack for the kids, or want a simple yet delicious appetizer, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are sure to please. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible.
Ingredients
Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Ham and Cheese Sticks:
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets: Provides a flaky and golden base for the sticks.
- 1 lb deli-sliced ham: Adds a savory and salty flavor, perfectly complementing the cheese.
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks: Melts beautifully inside the dough, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Used to make the flavorful glaze that coats the sticks.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a rich and tangy flavor to the glaze.
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides a slight tang and depth to the glaze.
- 1/2 Tbsp dried minced onion or onion powder: Enhances the savory taste of the glaze.
- 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds: Adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor to the glaze, and makes the sticks look more appealing.
With these carefully selected ingredients, you’re ready to create a delicious and satisfying snack that will impress your family and friends. In the next section, we’ll go through the detailed instructions to prepare this flavorful dish.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create delicious and savory Ham and Cheese Sticks that are perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your Ham and Cheese Sticks bake evenly and become golden brown.
- Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the sticks from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Roll out the crescent dough sheets on a clean, flat surface.
- Cut each dough sheet into 4 equal pieces, creating a total of 8 pieces from both tubes.
Step 3: Assemble
- Evenly distribute the deli-sliced ham among the 8 pieces of dough.
- Place a cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough.
- Fold in the ends of the dough over the cheese and ham, then roll to seal them inside.
Step 4: Arrange
- Place the assembled sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, and poppy seeds.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Glaze
- Generously brush the butter mixture over each stick, ensuring they are well coated. This glaze will add flavor and help the sticks turn golden brown during baking.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sticks cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your hot and fresh Cheesy Ham Crescent Sticks straight from the oven!
With these detailed instructions, you’ll have a batch of tasty Ham and Cheese Sticks ready to enjoy. In the next section, we’ll cover some serving and storage tips, along with helpful notes and variations to enhance your cooking experience.
Serving and Storage Tips
Enjoying your Ham and Cheese Sticks is easy with these serving and storage tips. Proper storage ensures that you can savor this delicious snack even as leftovers.
- Serving: Serve the Ham and Cheese Sticks hot, straight from the oven, for the best taste and texture. These sticks make a great appetizer or snack for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Pair them with a variety of dips such as honey mustard, marinara sauce, or ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, allow the sticks to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of the sticks.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sticks on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a slightly softer texture.
Helpful Notes and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your Ham and Cheese Sticks and make them your own:
- Additional Ingredients: Enhance the flavor by adding other ingredients. Consider incorporating sliced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or spinach for added texture and taste.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter glaze. This will give the sticks a spicy kick that complements the cheesy components.
- Alternative Meats: Substitute the deli-sliced ham with turkey, roast beef, or even a plant-based deli meat alternative for a different take on this classic recipe.
As the renowned chef Julia Child once said, "The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." Embrace this spirit when making your Ham and Cheese Sticks by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that reflects your personal taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out new variations, these sticks are sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Summary
Ham and Cheese Sticks are a simple and tasty snack made with crescent dough, deli ham, and cheddar cheese sticks, all brushed with a flavorful butter glaze and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or a quick treat. #HamAndCheeseSticks #EasySnacks #PartyFood