Ham & Cheese Sticks: The Perfect Easy Snack, Appetizer, or Party Bite

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, Ham & Cheese Sticks are the perfect solution. Made with simple ingredients like deli ham, melty cheese, and buttery dough, these golden, crispy sticks are ideal for game day, parties, after-school snacks, or lazy weekend cravings.

They’re warm, cheesy, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly addictive — you might want to double the batch!


⭐ Why You’ll Love Ham & Cheese Sticks

✔ Quick & Easy

They require only a few minutes of prep and bake fast.

✔ Kid-Friendly

Ham and cheese is a classic combo everyone loves.

✔ Perfect for Any Occasion

Serve as appetizers, snacks, lunchbox items, or party food.

✔ Budget-Friendly

Uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients.

✔ Totally Customizable

Switch up the cheese, meat, or seasonings to your liking.


🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
  • 12–16 slices deli ham
  • 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

  • Dijon or honey mustard
  • Pepperoni or turkey slices instead of ham
  • Swiss cheese for a classic ham-and-Swiss twist
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Everything bagel seasoning

🍳 How to Make Ham & Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza or crescent dough into a rectangle.
Press seams together if using crescent dough.


Step 3: Layer the Ham

Lay ham slices evenly across the dough, covering the entire surface.


Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the ham.

Use mozzarella for a gooey melt or cheddar for bold flavor.


Step 5: Roll It Up

Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Pinch the seam to seal.


Step 6: Slice Into Sticks

Using a sharp knife, cut into 1-inch wide strips.

Place each piece cut-side down on the baking sheet.


Step 7: Brush & Season

Brush the tops with melted butter.
Sprinkle with:

  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan (optional)

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden, cheesy, and puffed.


Step 9: Serve Warm

Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces such as:

  • Ranch
  • Honey mustard
  • Marinara
  • Spicy mayo

💡 Tips for the Best Ham & Cheese Sticks

✓ Use Thin-Sliced Ham

It rolls easier and distributes flavor better.

✓ Shred Your Own Cheese

Freshly-shredded cheese melts smoother and creamier.

✓ Chill the Dough Before Slicing

A short 10-minute freeze helps create clean slices.

✓ Don’t Overbake

Remove when lightly golden to keep them soft inside.

✓ Make Ahead Friendly

Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.


🔄 Fun Variations

Ham, Cheese & Pickle Sticks

Add thin pickle strips inside for a tangy crunch.

Buffalo Chicken Sticks

Use shredded chicken + buffalo sauce + mozzarella.

Ham & Swiss Croissant Sticks

Use crescent dough with Swiss cheese.

Breakfast Sticks

Add scrambled eggs and cheddar.

Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Swap ham for pepperoni and add a sprinkle of oregano.


🍽 How to Serve Ham & Cheese Sticks

These tasty sticks are perfect for:

  • Party appetizers
  • Game day snacks
  • Movie night treats
  • School lunches
  • Road trip food
  • Brunch platters
  • Quick dinner sides

Pair with a dipping sauce for even more flavor.


🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Freeze baked sticks up to 2 months.

Reheat:

  • Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
  • Air fryer: 3–4 minutes at 375°F
  • Microwave: 20–30 seconds (will be softer)
Print
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Ham & Cheese Sticks: The Perfect Easy Snack, Appetizer, or Party Bite


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent dough (8 triangles)
• 4 oz thinly sliced deli ham (about 8 slices, Black Forest for best flavor)
• 4 oz Swiss or Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tangy depth)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Unroll crescent dough without separating triangles—press seams together to form a rectangle. Cut into 8 strips (~1″ wide).
  3. On each strip, layer: 1 slice ham + ½ oz cheese (or 1 tbsp shredded). Roll up tightly from short end; pinch seam to seal.
  4. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
  5. Mix melted butter, garlic, and Dijon (if using); brush generously over rolls.
  6. Bake 14–16 mins—until deep golden and puffed.
  7. Cool 3 mins. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm—best fresh from the oven!

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins, Total Time: 25 mins, Servings: 8
Calories: 150, Net Carbs: 8g, Fats: 10g, Protein: 8g
Lower-carb option: Use keto crescent dough (fathead) or wrap ham & cheese in thin egg crepes — net carbs

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