Ham and Cheese Sticks

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Introduction:

Savor the irresistible combination of savory ham and gooey cheese wrapped in a crispy coating with our Ham and Cheese Sticks recipe. These delightful snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunchbox, or simply craving a savory treat. Easy to make and even easier to devour, Ham and Cheese Sticks are sure to become a favorite among kids and adults alike. Join us as we dive into the art of crafting these crispy delights and discover why they’re a must-have addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
  • 1 lb. deli-sliced ham
  • 8 cheddar cheese sticks
  • ¼ cup butter, melted
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ Tbsp dried minced onion or onion powder
  • ½ Tbsp poppy seeds

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your crescent dough sheets and cut each one into 4 pieces, resulting in 8 pieces total.
  3. Assemble: Distribute the ham evenly among the 8 pieces of dough. Place a cheddar cheese stick on top of the ham on each piece. Fold in the ends of each piece and then roll to seal.
  4. Arrange: Place the prepared sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion, and poppy seeds.
  6. Glaze: Brush the butter mixture over each stick.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Sticks hot and fresh from the oven!
  9. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
  10. Servings: 8

Serving Tips:

  1. Dipping Sauces: Serve Ham and Cheese Sticks with an array of dipping sauces for added flavor and variety. Popular options include marinara sauce, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce. Offer a variety of sauces to cater to different taste preferences.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the Ham and Cheese Sticks with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a touch of elegance to the presentation and complements the savory flavors of the sticks.
  3. Appetizer Platter: Arrange the cooked Ham and Cheese Sticks on a platter or serving tray, along with additional accompaniments such as fresh vegetables, olives, pickles, and crackers. This creates a visually appealing spread that’s perfect for entertaining guests at parties or gatherings.
  4. Serve Hot: Ham and Cheese Sticks are best served hot and crispy, straight from the oven or fryer. To keep them warm during serving, place them on a heatproof serving dish or tray and cover loosely with foil until ready to serve.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
  2. Reheating: To reheat leftover Ham and Cheese Sticks, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy.
  3. Freezing: Ham and Cheese Sticks can be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely after cooking, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the sticks to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen sticks can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Portioning for Convenience: Consider portioning the Ham and Cheese Sticks before freezing for easier reheating and serving. Wrap individual sticks or small batches in foil or plastic wrap before freezing, allowing you to thaw and reheat only what you need at a time.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Different Types of Cheese and Ham? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties of cheese and ham to customize the flavor of your Ham and Cheese Sticks. Popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack cheese. Similarly, you can use sliced ham, turkey, roast beef, or even bacon for added variety.

2. Can I Make Ham and Cheese Sticks Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare Ham and Cheese Sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply assemble the sticks, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, remove them from the refrigerator and proceed with frying or baking as directed in the recipe.

3. Can I Bake Instead of Fry the Ham and Cheese Sticks? Absolutely! While frying results in a crispier exterior, you can also bake Ham and Cheese Sticks for a lighter alternative. Arrange the assembled sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

4. How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Leaking Out During Cooking? To prevent the cheese from leaking out of the Ham and Cheese Sticks during cooking, be sure to seal the edges of the wrappers or pastry tightly. Use a mixture of water and flour or beaten egg to moisten the edges and press them together firmly to create a secure seal. Additionally, avoid overfilling the sticks with cheese to prevent overflow.

5. Can I Freeze Ham and Cheese Sticks for Later? Yes, Ham and Cheese Sticks can be frozen for future enjoyment. After assembling the sticks, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the sticks to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen sticks can be cooked directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

Ham and Cheese Sticks are a crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory flavor, convenient portability, and kid-friendly appeal, they’re sure to become a staple in your snack rotation. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to enjoy the crispy delights of our Ham and Cheese Sticks—they’re a snack worth savoring.

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