Ham and Cheese Sticks

Who doesn’t love the classic combination of ham and cheese? These Ham and Cheese Sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion, and they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

Ingredients:

• 1 package of puff pastry
• 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 8 equal rectangles.
3. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheddar cheese on each rectangle.
4. Roll up the pastry tightly and seal the edges with the beaten egg.
5. Brush the tops of the sticks with more egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
6. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 200 per stick
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 8g

Give these Ham and Cheese Sticks a try and watch them disappear in no time! 🧀🥓 #HamAndCheese #DeliciousSnack #EasyRecipe

Popular questions:

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Swiss or mozzarella for a twist on the traditional flavor.

• Can I make these sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sticks ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve for a convenient appetizer option.

• How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze these sticks?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked sticks for up to 1 month. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Can I add herbs or spices to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like parsley or spices like black pepper for added flavor.

• Are these sticks kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the combination of ham and cheese, making these sticks a great snack for little ones.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey or salami for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make these sticks smaller for bite-sized appetizers?

Absolutely! Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller rectangles and adjust the amount of filling accordingly.

• Can I serve these sticks with a dipping sauce?

Of course! Mustard or a homemade honey mustard sauce would pair well with these Ham and Cheese Sticks.

• How do I prevent the sticks from unraveling while baking?

Make sure to roll up the pastry tightly and seal the edges well with the beaten egg to prevent them from coming apart while baking.

Helpful tips:

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the filling.
• Try using different types of cheese like pepper jack or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Experiment with different types of deli meats like roast beef or turkey for variety.
• To make these sticks vegetarian, substitute the ham with roasted red peppers or grilled vegetables.
• Brushing the pastry with butter before baking can give it a golden, flaky crust.
• For a more gourmet touch, top the sticks with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Serve these Ham and Cheese Sticks with a side of pickles or olives for a delicious pairing.
• To make these sticks gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade gluten-free pastry dough.
• For a party platter, cut the baked sticks into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to use cold puff pastry to achieve a flaky and crispy texture.
• Allow the sticks to cool slightly before serving to prevent burns from the hot cheese filling.
• For a smoky flavor, try using smoked ham and smoked cheddar cheese in this recipe.
• To save time, you can use pre-sliced ham and cheese from the deli counter.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops of the sticks with freshly cracked black pepper before baking.
• To make these sticks more filling, add a thin layer of Dijon mustard or honey to the puff pastry before adding the ham and cheese.
• To make a sweet and savory version, try adding a thin slice of apple or pear along with the ham and cheese.
• For a cheesy crust, sprinkle the tops of the sticks with extra shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
• To avoid a soggy bottom, make sure to bake the sticks on a preheated baking sheet for a crispier texture.
• For added flavor, brush the baked sticks with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.