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