Introduction
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s gooey, golden, and absolutely irresistible, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are about to become your new favorite. Imagine warm, buttery crescent dough wrapped around melty cheddar cheese and savory deli ham, all brushed with a tangy, flavorful glaze and baked until perfectly golden brown. They’re the kind of snack that disappears the moment you put the tray down!
The first time I made these Ham and Cheese Sticks, I thought I’d have leftovers for lunch the next day. Spoiler alert: there were no leftovers. Everyone grabbed “just one more” until the pan was completely empty. That’s the magic of simple comfort food—especially when it involves ham, cheese, and buttery dough. It feels a little like a cross between a grilled cheese and a ham slider, but rolled up into a fun, dippable stick.
This recipe is special because it’s truly quick, easy, and family-friendly. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up for busy weeknights, game days, after-school snacks, or even a casual party appetizer. They’re just as crowd-pleasing as our popular Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders, but even easier to eat on the go—no plates required!
So preheat that oven, grab your crescent dough, and let’s make a batch of Ham and Cheese Sticks that will have everyone asking, “When are you making these again?”
What Are Ham and Cheese Sticks?
So what exactly are Ham and Cheese Sticks? Think of them as the fun, handheld cousins of a ham and cheese sandwich—only better. Ham, cheddar cheese sticks, and crescent dough team up to create warm, cheesy, buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping, snacking, or devouring straight off the pan. Why “sticks”? Maybe because “irresistible golden cheesy rolls of happiness” was a little too long for a title!
I like to joke that these were invented by someone who truly understood that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” But honestly, they work on everyone—kids, neighbors, friends, and yes, even picky eaters. However they got their name, one thing’s for sure: you’ll want to remember it, because once you try them, you’ll be making Ham and Cheese Sticks on repeat. Ready to fall in love with your new go-to snack? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Sticks
There are so many reasons to love this Ham and Cheese Sticks recipe, but let’s talk about the big three: comfort, savings, and flavor.
First, the highlight of this dish is its pure comfort factor. Buttery crescent dough wrapped around smoky ham and gooey cheddar turns into a soft, golden, cheesy stick that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The buttery glaze—made with melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and poppy seeds—adds a rich, tangy, slightly nutty flavor that takes each bite to the next level.
Second, making Ham and Cheese Sticks at home is a great money-saver. Instead of buying pricey frozen snacks or takeout appetizers, you can create a whole pan of these with simple ingredients you might already have in your fridge. Crescent dough, ham, and cheese are budget-friendly staples, and this recipe transforms them into something that feels special without costing a fortune.
Finally, the toppings and ingredients make these Ham and Cheese Sticks incredibly flavorful. The cheddar cheese melts into a creamy, rich center, while the ham adds saltiness and savoriness. The buttery glaze with poppy seeds, onion, and Dijon mustard creates that bakery-style finish you’d expect from a fancy deli. If you love our Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread, you’ll be obsessed with these too—they deliver the same cheesy satisfaction in a fun, handheld form.
Trust me: once you make a batch of Ham and Cheese Sticks at home, you’ll skip the frozen section and go straight for the crescent dough. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks
Quick Overview
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are wonderfully simple: roll, fill, glaze, and bake. You’ll use crescent dough sheets as the base, layer on deli ham and cheddar cheese sticks, roll them up, brush with a flavorful buttery glaze, and pop them into the oven. In about 10 minutes of prep and 12–15 minutes of baking, you’ll have a tray of golden, cheesy sticks ready to serve. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but tasty enough for parties, brunches, and potlucks.
Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sticks
- 2 tubes crescent dough sheets – Use the sheet style if possible; it’s easier to cut and roll. Regular crescent rolls also work.
- 1 lb. deli-sliced ham – Thinly sliced works best for layering. Use your favorite brand or style (smoked, honey, or black forest).
- 8 cheddar cheese sticks – String cheese-style cheddar or block cheddar cut into sticks both work. You need one stick per roll.
- ¼ cup butter, melted – This creates a rich, flavorful glaze.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep, savory note.
- ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard – Provides tang and a little sharpness that balances the richness.
- ½ Tbsp dried minced onion or onion powder – Adds subtle onion flavor to the glaze.
- ½ Tbsp poppy seeds – For texture, flavor, and that classic “bakery roll” look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Prepare the dough.
Roll out your crescent dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface or clean countertop. Cut each sheet into 4 even rectangles, giving you a total of 8 pieces of dough. Try to keep them as even as possible so they bake at the same rate. -
Layer the ham.
Evenly distribute the deli-sliced ham over each dough piece. You can fold or layer the slices to fit the dough rectangle. Make sure there’s ham from edge to edge so every bite is packed with flavor. -
Add the cheese.
Place 1 cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece of dough. Position it near one end so it’s easy to roll up. -
Roll and seal.
Fold in the short ends of the dough slightly over the cheese, then roll the dough up tightly around the ham and cheese, similar to a burrito. Pinch any seams to seal so the cheese stays inside as it melts. -
Arrange on the baking sheet.
Place each prepared stick seam-side down on your greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so they can puff up as they bake. -
Make the buttery glaze.
In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup melted butter, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ Tbsp dried minced onion (or onion powder), and ½ Tbsp poppy seeds. Whisk until well combined. -
Brush the glaze.
Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the butter mixture over the tops and sides of each Ham and Cheese Stick. This glaze gives them amazing flavor and that beautiful golden finish. -
Bake.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the Ham and Cheese Sticks are puffed and golden brown, and the cheese is melted inside. -
Serve.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly (the cheese will be very hot!). Serve your Ham and Cheese Sticks warm and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces.
What to Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks With
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, dips, and drinks. Here are some tasty ideas to round out your meal or snack spread:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for extra flavor in every bite.
- Soup: Pair with tomato soup, potato soup, or broccoli cheddar for a cozy, comforting lunch or dinner.
- Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad balances the richness of the Ham and Cheese Sticks.
- Veggie Platter: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes add crunch and freshness.
- Drinks: Try them with iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling drink for a casual family meal or game-day spread.
Whether you serve them as the main event or as a sidekick to soup or salad, Ham and Cheese Sticks fit right into any easy, relaxed meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Choose quality ingredients. Since this recipe is so simple, the flavor really depends on the ingredients. Use good-quality ham and cheese. Try smoked ham for extra flavor or honey ham for a hint of sweetness.
- Experiment with cheeses. Cheddar is classic, but you can swap in Swiss for a nutty flavor or Gouda for a super smooth melt. Pepper Jack adds a little kick if you like some heat.
- Keep the dough chilled. Crescent or puff pastry dough is much easier to work with when it’s cold. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll, and work quickly so it doesn’t get too soft or sticky.
- Seal the edges well. Pinch the seams and ends firmly to help keep the cheese from leaking out as it melts. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but a good seal will give you a nicer finished look.
- Customize the seasoning. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for extra flavor.
- Make them ahead. You can assemble the Ham and Cheese Sticks earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
- Adapt to dietary needs. Use gluten-free dough if needed, dairy-free cheese, or vegetarian “ham” slices to make this recipe work for different diets without losing the fun or flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you somehow manage to have leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks (lucky you!), they store and reheat beautifully.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Let the Ham and Cheese Sticks cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: These freeze very well. Arrange the unbaked or baked sticks on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Ham and Cheese Sticks
- From the fridge: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. This keeps the dough crisp on the outside.
- From the freezer (baked): Place frozen baked Ham and Cheese Sticks on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until hot.
- From the freezer (unbaked): Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes to the original 12–15 minute bake time. Watch for a golden color and bubbling cheese.
- Microwave option: You can microwave for 20–30 seconds for a quick snack, but the dough will be softer rather than crisp. For the best texture, the oven or toaster oven is your friend.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy Ham and Cheese Sticks fresh from the oven—or almost fresh—anytime you need a quick, cheesy, satisfying bite.
