I take simple ham slices, cheese sticks, and a wrapper to create an inventive, fuss-free ham and cheese stick that pairs well with Classic Finger Foods.

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I love tinkering with simple snacks, and these Ham And Cheese Sticks always catch me off guard. Crispy outside, gooey center, the contrast is silly good and makes people ask what I did.

I use deli ham and cheese sticks so every bite gives that salty savory pull. I bring them to game nights because they vanish fast, and I call them Great Easy Appetizers when I need something foolproof.

Late afternoons they work as Fast Easy Finger Foods that somehow feel special without fuss. If you like things that look fancy but arent, these will make you smile.

Ingredients

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These ham and cheese sticks are a cozy, quick snack that feels sorta fancy yet easy to make.

Ham: Savory, protein-packed, slightly salty; it gives the sticks a meaty, umami richness.
Cheese sticks: Melty, creamy, high in calcium and fat; stretches when hot, tastes indulgent.
Wrappers: Egg roll or puff pastry brings crunch and carbs, can be flakier or chewier.
Egg: Beaten egg seals edges, adds some extra protein and helps with golden browning.
Butter: A light brush gives golden color and buttery flavor, adds richness without too much fuss.

Ingredient Quantities

8 slices ham, deli style not too thick

8 cheese sticks (mozzarella or cheddar)

8 egg roll wrappers or puff pastry strips

1 egg, beaten (for sealing)

1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; if you use puff pastry strips instead of egg roll wrappers, set oven to 375F (190C).

2. If using puff pastry, thaw and cut into strips slightly longer than the cheese sticks; if using egg roll wrappers, keep them covered with a damp towel so they dont dry out.

3. Pat each ham slice dry with a paper towel so the wrapper dont get soggy, then lay one slice flat and place a cheese stick near one short end.

4. Roll the cheese inside the ham once or twice to snug it up, then place the ham+cheese on the wrapper or puff strip about 1 inch from the edge.

5. Brush the wrapper edge with the beaten egg (this is your glue), roll tightly around the ham and cheese, and press the edge to seal; if needed tuck the ends under or use one toothpick to hold it.

6. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush each roll with the melted butter for browning and crispness, and leave a little space between each so air can circulate.

7. Bake: egg roll wrappers about 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy, puff pastry strips about 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden; turn once halfway for even color.

8. Let rest 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese firms up a bit, remove any toothpicks, and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Baking sheet, lined with parchment paper
2. Parchment paper (or foil in a pinch)
3. Small bowl for the beaten egg
4. Pastry brush or silicone brush for butter and egg
5. Sharp knife and a cutting board for cutting puff pastry or trimming ham
6. Fork or whisk to beat the egg
7. Paper towels to pat the ham dry so it dont get soggy
8. Toothpicks to hold ends if needed
9. Oven mitts and a timer for safe, even baking

FAQ

Can I use puff pastry instead of egg roll wrappers?

Yes, you can. Puff pastry will puff up and be flakier, so cut it into strips the width of your cheese stick, wrap gently, seal with beaten egg and bake at 400°F for about 15 to 18 minutes until golden. Chill the wrapped sticks for 10 minutes first so they hold shape better.

How do I stop the cheese from leaking out?

Freeze the cheese sticks for 10 to 15 minutes before wrapping, dont over-stuff, overlap the wrapper a little and press the seam closed with beaten egg. Bake seam-side down and theyll be much less likely to ooze.

Can I make these ahead or freeze them?

Yep. Freeze on a tray first so they dont stick, then bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 18 to 22 minutes until brown. Or bake them, cool, then reheat in a 350°F oven 5 to 8 minutes to crisp up.

What temp and time should I use for baking?

For egg roll wrappers bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes. For puff pastry use 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes. Brush with melted butter after baking for extra shine and flavor.

Can I air fry these?

Yes, air fryer works great. Cook at 375°F for about 6 to 9 minutes, turn once halfway, and check early because air fryers brown fast. No overcrowding.

Any good substitutions or add ins?

Swap ham for turkey, prosciutto or salami. Try pepper jack or provolone instead of mozzarella. Add a tiny smear of mustard, pesto or cream cheese for extra flavor, but dont overdo fillings or theyll leak.

Ham And Cheese Sticks Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ham: swap with turkey deli slices (smoked or honey-roast) or prosciutto for a saltier, fancier bite, or use firm tofu / smoked tempeh for a vegetarian option
Cheese sticks: try provolone slices, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or smoked gouda if you want more flavor
Wrappers: crescent roll dough or tortillas work if you don’t have egg roll wrappers or puff pastry, wonton wrappers are great for smaller bite sized sticks
Egg and butter: use milk or cream as an egg wash, melted olive oil or margarine instead of butter, or just brush with extra beaten egg if that’s all you got

Pro Tips

– Chill the rolled-up snacks briefly before baking — 5 to 10 minutes in the freezer or 10 to 15 in the fridge. It helps the cheese hold its shape so you dont get lava cheese everywhere, plus they roll neater and puff less oddly.

– If you want extra crunch, brush with melted butter like you already do, then give a very light dusting of cornmeal or panko on the outside. It adds a nice texture and keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Dont pile it on though or it will brown too fast.

– Don’t overstuff. Too much cheese or a fat ham slice will make them burst. Tuck the ends in tight and use one toothpick to hold if you must, but remove the toothpick before serving so nobody bites down on it.

– Watch the edges near the end of baking and rotate the pan once. Ovens bake uneven, so a quick turn makes the color even. If the edges brown before the centers are done, lower the temp a little and give it a few extra minutes.

Ham And Cheese Sticks Recipe

Recipe by Nicky Smith

0.0 from 0 votes

I take simple ham slices, cheese sticks, and a wrapper to create an inventive, fuss-free ham and cheese stick that pairs well with Classic Finger Foods.

Servings

servings

Calories

220

kcal

Equipment: 1. Baking sheet, lined with parchment paper
2. Parchment paper (or foil in a pinch)
3. Small bowl for the beaten egg
4. Pastry brush or silicone brush for butter and egg
5. Sharp knife and a cutting board for cutting puff pastry or trimming ham
6. Fork or whisk to beat the egg
7. Paper towels to pat the ham dry so it dont get soggy
8. Toothpicks to hold ends if needed
9. Oven mitts and a timer for safe, even baking

Ingredients

8 slices ham, deli style not too thick
8 cheese sticks (mozzarella or cheddar)
8 egg roll wrappers or puff pastry strips
1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper; if you use puff pastry strips instead of egg roll wrappers, set oven to 375F (190C).
If using puff pastry, thaw and cut into strips slightly longer than the cheese sticks; if using egg roll wrappers, keep them covered with a damp towel so they dont dry out.
Pat each ham slice dry with a paper towel so the wrapper dont get soggy, then lay one slice flat and place a cheese stick near one short end.
Roll the cheese inside the ham once or twice to snug it up, then place the ham+cheese on the wrapper or puff strip about 1 inch from the edge.
Brush the wrapper edge with the beaten egg (this is your glue), roll tightly around the ham and cheese, and press the edge to seal; if needed tuck the ends under or use one toothpick to hold it.
Place seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush each roll with the melted butter for browning and crispness, and leave a little space between each so air can circulate.
Bake: egg roll wrappers about 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crispy, puff pastry strips about 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden; turn once halfway for even color.
Let rest 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese firms up a bit, remove any toothpicks, and serve warm.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.