Ham and Cheese Sticks – Easy, Cheesy & Perfect for Snacking!

Name: Ham and Cheese Sticks
Total Time: 35 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Intensity: Very Easy
Yield: 16 sticks
Lasts: Best served fresh and hot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

A Fun, Flavor-Packed Snack Everyone Will Love

Imagine the irresistible flavors of a warm, melty ham and cheese sandwich, transformed into a dippable, crispy handheld snack. These Ham and Cheese Sticks are exactly that—a foolproof, crowd-pleasing treat that is as perfect for a game-day party as it is for a quick after-school bite. Wrapped in flaky, golden crescent roll dough, each stick delivers a savory, gooey center with a satisfying crunch. Incredibly simple to make with just three core ingredients, they are the ultimate proof that the most delicious creations often come from the cleverest shortcuts.

Ingredients

For the Sticks

2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough (the “seamless sheet” variety works best, if available)
16 thin slices deli ham (about 8 oz / 225g total) (like Black Forest or honey ham)
8 slices American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese, each slice cut in half
1 tablespoon Dijon or whole-grain mustard (optional, for brushing)

For the Topping & Dipping

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, or dried parsley
For serving: Marinara sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or ketchup for dipping.

Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Pastry brush
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Cooling rack (optional, for crispness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This is crucial for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
If your crescent dough is perforated into triangles, press the seams together firmly to create two solid rectangles of dough. If using seamless sheets, simply unroll them.

Step 2: Assemble the Flavor Layers

Place one rectangle of dough on your work surface. If it’s not already a neat rectangle, gently press and stretch it into one that’s roughly 11×7 inches.
Lightly brush the entire surface of the dough with the optional mustard. This adds a fantastic tangy depth.
Arrange 8 slices of ham evenly over the dough, slightly overlapping to cover the surface completely.
Place the 8 half-slices of cheese in two rows down the length of the dough, over the ham, leaving a small border at the top and bottom.

Step 3: Roll, Seal, and Slice

Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style, pressing gently as you go to keep it snug. When you reach the end, pinch the seam firmly to seal. Place the log seam-side down.
Repeat the entire process with the second sheet of dough, ham, and cheese.

Step 4: Create the Sticks

Using a sharp serrated knife or pizza cutter, slice each log crosswise into 8 equal pieces. You should have 16 pieces total.
Arrange the pieces, spiral-side up, on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them to allow for expansion and even browning.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Lightly brush the top and visible sides of each stick with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly with your chosen seasoning (everything bagel seasoning is highly recommended for extra flavor and texture).
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is puffed and a deep, golden brown. The cheese should be visibly melted and bubbly around the edges.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

For the crispiest results, let the sticks cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. If you have a cooling rack, transferring them there after a minute prevents the bottoms from steaming.
Serve warm with small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

Chef’s Notes & Expert Variations

Dough Tip: For seamless assembly, look for cans labeled “crescent dough sheet.” If you only have perforated triangles, just press the diagonal perforations together firmly before adding toppings.
Cheese Choices:
- American: Provides the ultimate creamy, melty “diner-style” experience.
- Cheddar: Offers a sharper, tangier flavor.
- Swiss or Gouda: Excellent for a more sophisticated, nutty taste.
Add-In Ideas: Get creative! Add a thin layer of pickle slices, a sprinkle of cooked scrambled sausage, or a dash of hot sauce before rolling.
Make-Ahead/Freezer Option: Assemble the logs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Slice while still slightly frozen and bake, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Air Fryer Method: For a faster, even crispier version, cook at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, in batches if necessary, until golden brown.

Nutrition Information (Per Stick, 1 of 16)