When you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, these Cheesy Ham & Cheese Sticks are just the thing. They’re made with flaky pastry (or pizza dough), gooey melted cheese, and savory ham—all baked to golden perfection. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or quick lunch, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
The first time I made these, I used a blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheese, and it gave the perfect stretchy, creamy texture. Once, I brushed them with garlic butter before baking—it made them taste just like something from a cozy café. These sticks are comfort food perfection: simple, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Ham & Cheese Sticks combine all the best snack-time elements—crispy, flaky dough, melted cheese, and savory ham—into a fun, handheld bite. They’re incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and bake up beautifully in under 30 minutes. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in honey mustard, marinara, or ranch dressing.
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Cheesy Ham & Cheese Sticks: Golden, Gooey, and Perfectly Snackable
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 sticks
- Diet: Halal
Description
Golden, crispy, and oozing with melted cheese — these Cheesy Ham & Cheese Sticks are the ultimate snack or party appetizer, featuring gooey cheese and savory ham wrapped in buttery pastry or dough.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 sticks mozzarella cheese (or string cheese)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara or honey mustard sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll or pizza dough and cut into 8 rectangles.
- Place a slice of ham on each rectangle, then add a mozzarella stick near one edge.
- Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides to seal the cheese inside.
- Place each roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier version.
- For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Make them ahead and freeze before baking — just bake from frozen for 18–20 minutes.
- These are great as a party snack, game-day appetizer, or quick lunch for kids.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated pizza dough or puff pastry – Creates a light, flaky, and golden crust.
Deli ham slices – Savory and slightly smoky, the perfect filling partner for cheese.
Shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture.
Cheddar cheese (optional) – Adds sharp, rich flavor to balance the creaminess.
Egg (beaten) – For brushing the dough to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Butter (melted) – Adds richness and helps achieve a crispy, flavorful crust.
Garlic powder – Infuses the crust with savory flavor.
Parsley or chives (optional) – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
Salt and pepper – To season the filling lightly.
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the dough:
Roll out the pizza dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. - Add the filling:
Evenly layer ham slices over the dough, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella (and cheddar, if using). - Fold and seal:
Fold the dough in half lengthwise to cover the filling. Press down gently, then cut into 1-inch wide strips using a knife or pizza cutter. - Twist the sticks:
Twist each strip a few times and place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Brush and bake:
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the tops of the twists. Brush lightly with beaten egg for color. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley or chives and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12–15 sticks and serves 4 to 6 people. Total time: 30 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking. Perfect for a quick snack, party platter, or lunchbox addition.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crisp and warm. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy. These can also be frozen before baking for up to 2 months—bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Customizations
Honey Mustard Ham Sticks
Brush with honey mustard before adding cheese for a sweet-savory twist.
Jalapeño Popper Sticks
Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy version.
Breakfast Ham & Cheese Sticks
Add scrambled eggs and bake for a grab-and-go breakfast idea.
Italian Style Sticks
Use marinara sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of oregano inside the dough.
Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sticks
Use pretzel dough and sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking for a hearty version.
Cheesy Ranch Sticks
Add ranch seasoning to the melted butter for a zesty flavor boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, puff pastry will make the sticks flakier and lighter, while pizza dough gives a chewier texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
3. Can I air fry them?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes—try provolone, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
5. Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up holiday ham.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill the dough.
7. What dips go well with these?
Honey mustard, marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce are all great options.
8. Can I add veggies?
Yes—try finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor.
9. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
10. Can I freeze baked sticks?
Yes, let them cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ham & Cheese Sticks are the perfect combination of flaky, cheesy, and savory—ideal for parties, snacks, or even casual dinners. With their golden crust, gooey filling, and customizable flavor options, they’re a fun twist on a timeless classic. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cheesy bites are guaranteed to be a hit every time you bake them.
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