Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crispy ham and cheese sticks bring comfort right to your plate with a golden, crunchy exterior that promises delightful flavor.

Cheesy goodness melts inside a perfectly seasoned coating of breadcrumbs.

Savory ham adds depth to each delectable bite.

Homemade snacks like these make simple ingredients shine with minimal effort.

Quick preparation means you can whip up these appetizers in minutes.

Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, these sticks will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch smiles spread around the table.

What Makes Ham And Cheese Sticks A Favorite

• Boost Family Mealtime Magic: Packed with cheesy goodness, these ham and cheese sticks transform ordinary meals into exciting family gatherings with their irresistible flavor and texture.
• Create Stress-Free Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complex techniques or multiple kitchen tools.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Versatile and crowd-pleasing, these sticks work wonderfully as game day snacks, potluck contributions, or casual entertaining options that keep guests coming back for more.
• Quick Customization Potential: Easily swap ham for different proteins, experiment with cheese varieties, or add herbs to personalize the recipe according to individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure and body to the ham and cheese sticks.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich texture of the dough.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender dough.
• Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and provides richness to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder: These spices work together to create a well-rounded and flavorful base for the ham and cheese sticks.

• Ham, Cheddar Cheese: Deliver savory protein and cheesy goodness throughout the sticks.
• Olive Oil, Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy golden exterior and extra crunch to the finished product.

How To Make Ham And Cheese Sticks

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prepares a perfect cooking surface for your delicious snacks.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder

Whisk these together to create a flavorful base for your dough.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Melted butter

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Create Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix – you want the dough to be just combined.

Step 5: Add Tasty Fillings

• Diced ham
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Distribute these throughout the dough evenly.

Step 6: Roll Out The Dough

Sprinkle flour on a clean surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 7: Cut Into Strips

Slice the dough into rectangular strips, each about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Place the strips on the prepared baking sheet. Leave small spaces between each piece.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Lightly brush the tops with olive oil. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface for extra crunch.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn golden and cheese bubbles.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from the oven. Let the sticks rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter. Grab while warm and crispy for maximum deliciousness!

Handy Tips For Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Perfect Temperature Control: Ensure oven is precisely at 375°F for consistent golden-brown edges and even cooking of ham and cheese sticks.
• Prevent Tough Dough: Mix wet and dry ingredients gently, avoiding overmixing to maintain a soft, tender texture that doesn't become dense or chewy.
• Strategic Cheese Distribution: Fold cheese and ham evenly throughout the dough to guarantee delicious bites with balanced flavor in every stick.
• Quick Crispiness Hack: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking to create an extra crunchy exterior that adds delightful textural contrast.
• Resting Period Matters: Allow sticks to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes to help them set and prevent burning while maintaining optimal crispiness.

Creative Takes On Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour, ensuring a crisp texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Spin: Swap ham with roasted bell peppers or zucchini, maintaining the cheesy goodness while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower or coconut flour instead of traditional flour, reducing carbohydrate content for keto-friendly dieters.
• Spicy Cheese Sticks: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dough for an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.

What Goes Well With Ham And Cheese Sticks

• Savor Complementary Flavors
• Pair Zesty Tomato Marinara: Bright, tangy marinara sauce cuts through the rich, cheesy ham sticks, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire snack experience.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light, acidic notes beautifully balance the salty ham and melted cheese.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate between bites of the savory sticks.
• Enhance with Herb Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick garlic-herb aioli or ranch dressing, offering a creamy, herbaceous companion that amplifies the sticks' flavor profile.

How To Keep Ham And Cheese Sticks Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual ham and cheese sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Restore crispiness by placing sticks on a baking sheet and warming at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain original texture.
• Quickly revive sticks by air frying at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they return to their original crispy and golden state.

Ham And Cheese Sticks Questions Answered

• Are these ham and cheese sticks suitable for vegetarians?

No, these sticks contain ham and cheese, making them non-vegetarian. They are perfect for meat and dairy lovers.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharp flavor and excellent melting properties, but you can also use mozzarella or Swiss cheese for variation.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these ham and cheese sticks?

No special equipment is required. A mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and basic kitchen tools are all you need to create these delicious sticks.

Ham And Cheese Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crispy ham and cheese sticks bring classic comfort to your appetizer spread, delivering golden-brown crunch with savory warmth. Melted cheese and salty ham wrapped in a perfectly seasoned coating invite hungry guests to indulge in this irresistible finger food.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups ham, diced
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Dough/Coating Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Seasoning/Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for crispy ham and cheese sticks.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and garlic powder, creating a well-seasoned base for the dough.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl until smooth and thoroughly integrated, forming a rich liquid mixture.
4. Gradually pour the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Fold diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut the dough into uniform rectangular strips, roughly 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
8. Arrange the ham and cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small gaps between each piece for even heating.
9. Lightly brush the tops of the sticks with olive oil and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface for added crunch.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese begins to bubble.
11. Remove from the oven and let the ham and cheese sticks cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Swap ingredients to create gluten-free versions by using almond or coconut flour for traditional wheat flour.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the dry ingredient mixture for subtle heat.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique taste profiles and texture variations.
• Store leftover sticks in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg