🧀🥓 Ham and Cheese Sticks
Description:
Golden, flaky, and cheesy with a savory bite from ham, these Ham and Cheese Sticks are a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer. Wrapped in puff pastry and baked to crispy perfection, they’re kid-friendly and party-approved.
✅ Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz sliced ham (deli style or cooked ham)
- 4 oz shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss recommended)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍴 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly on a lightly floured surface to even it out.
- Spread Mustard (Optional): Lightly spread Dijon mustard over the surface of the pastry.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Lay ham slices evenly over the puff pastry, then sprinkle cheese on top.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
- Fold and Cut: Fold the pastry in half lengthwise to cover the filling. Press lightly to seal. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Twist or Leave Flat: Twist each strip gently (optional) and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush over the tops for golden color.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Let cool a few minutes before serving.
👩🍳 Tips:
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking.
- Keep the puff pastry cold while working for best flakiness.
- Substitute turkey or roast beef for ham if desired.
- Great for lunchboxes—reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp up.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes about 8–10 sticks depending on strip width.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Stick, Approx.):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
Values may vary based on brands and serving size.
💪 Benefits:
- Protein-rich from ham and cheese—great post-workout snack.
- Portable: Easy to pack and carry.
- Kid-friendly: Perfect after-school bite.
- Customizable: Add herbs, switch meats or cheese for variety.
❓Q&A:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep and refrigerate them raw up to 1 day before baking. Or bake, cool, and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze before or after baking. Reheat in oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar gives sharp flavor; Swiss melts beautifully. Mozzarella works too, but may ooze more.
Q: How do I prevent sogginess?
A: Avoid overfilling, and make sure the ham is dry (dab with paper towel if needed).