Ham and Cheese Sticks — The Golden, Gooey Snack That Disappears in Minutes
There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, melty cheese wrapped in buttery dough — it instantly brings you back to those childhood moments when the simplest snacks felt like pure magic. These Ham and Cheese Sticks recreate that feeling in the best, most effortless way. They’re cozy, delicious, and wildly satisfying, the kind of treat you make “just because” and somehow end up baking again the next day because everyone devoured them.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school, looking for a quick party appetizer, or just craving something warm and cheesy on a busy afternoon, these sticks hit the spot every single time. They’re golden, handheld, portable, and unbelievably easy to throw together — and yes, they disappear as fast as they come out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a few simple ingredients — nothing complicated, nothing fancy.
- Warm, cheesy comfort food that everyone loves.
- Perfect for kids, parties, snacks, or lazy-night dinners.
- Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable with different cheeses, seasonings, or add-ins.
- Portable & mess-free — great for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 slices deli ham (any variety you love)
- 8 cheese sticks (mozzarella or cheddar both melt beautifully)
- Optional: 1 beaten egg for egg wash
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Knife (optional, for trimming ham or cheese)
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Unroll the Dough
Open the crescent roll can and carefully unroll the dough.
Separate it into 8 triangles, keeping them intact.
3. Add Ham & Cheese
On the wide end of each dough triangle:
- Lay down a slice of deli ham
- Place a cheese stick on top
Make sure the cheese is positioned so it will be enclosed once rolled.
4. Roll Them Up
Starting from the wide end, roll toward the pointed end like a classic crescent roll.
Pinch the edges if needed to help keep the cheese inside while baking.
5. Optional — Egg Wash & Toppings
Brush each roll lightly with beaten egg for that glossy, golden finish.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Keep an eye on them — crescent rolls cook quickly!
7. Serve Warm
Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
They’re best warm and gooey, but still delicious at room temp.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ham & Cheese Sticks
- Use cold cheese sticks — they melt more slowly and evenly.
- Don’t skip sealing the edges if you're worried about cheese escape.
- Try honey ham or smoked turkey for a fun flavor twist.
- Brush with garlic butter after baking for an extra savory touch.
- Bake on the middle rack for the most even color and texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Pizza Sticks: Swap ham for pepperoni and add a little mozzarella.
- Spicy Version: Use pepper jack cheese or sprinkle chili flakes on top.
- Everything Sticks: Coat the tops with everything bagel seasoning.
- Turkey & Swiss: Classic deli combo wrapped in buttery dough.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ham and add sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers.
Serving, Pairing & Storage
How to Serve
Great on their own or dip into:
- Marinara
- Ranch
- Honey mustard
- Garlic butter
Serve as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick lunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispness.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked rolls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag.
Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 extra minutes.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese sticks?
You can, but cheese sticks melt more neatly and stay contained.
Will different brands of crescent dough work?
Absolutely — Pillsbury, store brand, or generic all work the same.
Why did some cheese leak out?
A little leakage is normal, but sealing edges well helps minimize it.
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Place a slice of ham and a cheese stick on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll from wide end to point, sealing edges if needed.
- Brush with egg wash and add toppings if desired.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool briefly and serve warm.
Notes