There’s something truly magical about rolling out a tube of crescent dough in your kitchen. It brings back memories of family gatherings and holidays where delicious aromas filled the air. Among my favorite comfort foods, Ham and Cheese Sticks stand out—quick to prepare yet oh-so-comforting. When I first made these delightful bites, they vanished in mere minutes, much to my delight and slight dismay. They’ve become a staple in my home; whether it’s a movie night or an impromptu gathering, these sticks steal the spotlight.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You might be wondering, what’s the secret sauce—or in this case, the secret stick? Well, it’s in the delightful combination of flaky crescent dough, savory ham, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. Imagine biting into one of these golden beauties; the buttery dough crumbles, giving way to a melty center that just oozes flavor.
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Perfect for careless weeknights or as an appetizer at that party you’ve promised to bring something to—I won’t tell if you keep them all for yourself! Plus, the ingredients are simple, and you can most likely find them lurking in your kitchen pantry. You can whip these up in no time, leaving you more moments to relish in laughter and good company. Trust me; your taste buds will be sending you thank-you notes!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s chat about the key players in this dish. Each one plays a vital role in creating that mouthwatering experience:
Crescent Dough: This is your flaky canvas. The beauty of crescent dough is its unpredictability; it’s pliable yet sturdy enough to hold all that deliciousness inside. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try puff pastry as an alternative, though it may change the texture quite a bit.
Slices of Deli Ham: The star of the show! Whether you grab honey-baked, smoked, or even turkey ham, each slice adds its own flair to the flavor fiesta. If you’re after a lighter option, turkey is a fabulous way to lighten things up without skimping on taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Ah, when it comes to cheese, cheddar is king! Its sharpness elevates the dish to another level. However, feel free to mix it up—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for complexity.
Melted Butter: This golden nectar adds a rich gloss to the finished sticks, not to mention it’s the base for your scrumptious topping. Think of it as the finishing touch that sends your creation over the edge—don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder and Poppy Seeds: They sprinkle in an extra layer of flavor and a dash of elegance, don’t you think? Garlic brings warmth, and those poppy seeds? They add a delightful crunch. Go ahead; toss some Italian seasoning in if you’re craving more zest!
Salt and Pepper: The unsung heroes of seasoning! Always tailor these to your taste; remember, a pinch goes a long way.
How this recipe comes together
Ready to dive into the fun part? Here’s how to make your Ham and Cheese Sticks come to life:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get that warmth brewing.
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Gently separate it into those charming triangles that just beckon to be filled.
On each triangle, place a slice of ham followed by a sprinkle of that glorious cheddar cheese. Don’t hold back—make sure each triangle has enough goodness to deliver in every bite!
Now comes the rolling action: Start at the wide end and roll each triangle snugly around the filling.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and lay out your rolled sticks with a bit of space so they have room to puff up.
In a small bowl, mix together your melted butter, garlic powder, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. This blend is where the magic happens—just trust me on this!
Brush that mouthwatering mixture over each ham and cheese stick. Make sure to get a good amount on there; it’s what gives them that luxurious finish.
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown and oh-so-irresistible.
Let them cool for a minute—if you can wait that long—then serve warm.
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Ham and Cheese Sticks are out of the oven, let’s think about how to enjoy them. They shine as appetizers, perfect for dipping into spicy mustard or ranch dressing, but they also make for a delightful snack that pairs beautifully with a glass of your favorite beverage. Your guests won’t be deterred from trying these little joys—just place them on a platter, and watch them disappear!
Storing tips
If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt there will be many), here are some simple tips to keep them fresh. Store the sticks in an airtight container in the fridge, and they can last up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up—this helps restore that crispy texture.
Alternatively, if you want to get ahead of the game, freeze the unbaked sticks! Just wrap them well before freezing and bake straight from the freezer when you’re in the mood for a midnight snack or a last-minute gathering treat.
Pro chef tips
For best results, opt for fresh ingredients. If you’re tempted to add extra flavor, consider toasting your garlic powder in the melted butter for an added depth that transforms the taste profile entirely. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed onions or even a sprinkle of sriracha for some heat.
And pro-tip: roll each stick snugly but don’t overstuff them. If you overstuff, they might burst during baking. Keep it simple, and let the flavors shine!
Creative Twists
One of the things I adore about this recipe is its versatility—let your imagination run wild! Swap out ham for crispy bacon or even sautéed spinach for a vegetarian option. In place of cheddar, try mozzarella for a gooey melt or feta for a Mediterranean flair. You can even sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking for a lovely crust.
Ingredients list
- 1 tube of crescent dough
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place a slice of ham and a sprinkle of cheese on each triangle.
- Roll up the dough starting from the wide end, enclosing the filling.
- Place the rolled sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture over each ham and cheese stick.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Your questions answered
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Go wild with your cheese choices—it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Do I have to use crescent dough? Not necessarily, but it’s what makes this dish quick and easy. Puff pastry works too if you want a slightly different texture.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sticks and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
What dips go well with these? Try ranch, spicy mustard, or even a homemade garlic aioli for an upscale vibe!
Are there healthy alternatives? You can swap out regular ham for turkey and choose reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up a touch.
There you have it—a tantalizing recipe that’s not only simple but wholly satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, invite your friends (or keep them all to yourself), and enjoy the delightful experience of creating and indulging in these lovely Ham and Cheese Sticks. I can’t wait to hear about your twists on the recipe and any creative adventures you embark on in your own kitchen! Happy cooking!
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Description
Delightful bites of ham and cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough, perfect for any gathering or as a quick snack.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate it into triangles.Add Filling
Place a slice of ham and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on each triangle.Roll Up
Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle snugly around the filling.Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolled sticks on it with space in between.Mix Brush Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.Brush Sticks
Brush the butter mixture over each ham and cheese stick generously.Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.Serve Warm
Let them cool for a minute then serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 100mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 60 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 0 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
