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)
Ham & Cheese Sticks: The Perfect Easy Snack, Appetizer, or Party Bite
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
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unroll crescent dough without separating triangles—press seams together to form a rectangle. Cut into 8 strips (~1″ wide).
- On each strip, layer: 1 slice ham + ½ oz cheese (or 1 tbsp shredded). Roll up tightly from short end; pinch seam to seal.
- Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, and Dijon (if using); brush generously over rolls.
- Bake 14–16 mins—until deep golden and puffed.
- 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