Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delicious, savory snack or appetizer that’s perfect for parties, lunches, or as an easy weeknight meal. They feature a combination of ham and cheese wrapped in soft dough and baked to golden perfection. Here’s an easy recipe to make them at home:
Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 oz sliced ham (about 8 slices, or more if you like it extra meaty)
- 8 oz shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing the tops)
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, slice the ham into smaller strips or pieces that are the size of the dough you will be rolling out.
- Shred the cheese, or use pre-shredded cheese.
3. Shape the Ham and Cheese Sticks:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread a thin layer of mustard (optional) over the dough if you’re using it for extra flavor.
- Evenly distribute the slices of ham and shredded cheese over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pieces to form the individual ham and cheese sticks.
4. Bake the Ham and Cheese Sticks:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the ham and cheese sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Brush the tops of the sticks with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Remove the ham and cheese sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- These can be enjoyed warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or mustard.
Tips:
- Make-ahead: You can assemble these sticks and refrigerate them for up to 1-2 hours before baking. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Cheese options: You can use a variety of cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses for different flavors.
- Herb flavor: For added flavor, sprinkle some dried herbs like Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the dough before rolling it up.
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are a perfect handheld treat that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a meal!