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Ham and Cheese Sticks

These ham and cheese sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around savory ham and melty cheese. Perfect for game day, brunch, or an elegant dinner party, they offer endless customization options—from different cheese blends to a variety of dipping sauces.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed (about 10×10 inches)
  • 6 slices deli ham thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Swiss/Cheddar mix
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or oregano
  • Pinch salt and black pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Knife or pizza cutter
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth any creases.
  3. If using, spread 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard evenly over the pastry.
  4. Layer the 6 slices of deli ham over the pastry, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.
  5. Fold the pastry in half over the filling and press gently to seal.
  6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into approximately 1-inch strips.
  7. Twist each strip 2-3 times to form a spiral shape, creating pockets for the melting cheese.
  8. Arrange the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
  9. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried parsley (or oregano), and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  11. Let cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.

Notes

This recipe is extremely flexible: swap out the mozzarella for Gruyère or pepper jack to introduce different flavor profiles, or replace deli ham with turkey, salami, or even roast beef. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning before baking or a drizzle of honey butter after can add an extra layer of indulgence. Serve these sticks with marinara, honey mustard, or ranch dipping sauces, and consider pairing them with fresh veggies or a light salad for a well-rounded spread.