Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are a delightful and savory snack that combines flaky, buttery puff pastry with savory ham and melted cheese. Quick to assemble and easy to bake, these sticks are perfect for parties, game days, or just as a tasty snack. The crispy pastry and savory filling make them a crowd-pleaser, and they can be customized with herbs or served with mustard for added flavor.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 package of puff pastry (thawed)

• 4-6 slices of ham (thinly sliced)

• 4-6 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella)

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

• Optional: Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

• Mustard (for dipping, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into strips about 1 inch wide, ensuring they are long enough to hold the ham and cheese slices.

3. Assemble the Sticks: Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each pastry strip. If desired, sprinkle fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

4. Fold and Seal: Fold each pastry strip over the ham and cheese to create a “stick” shape. Press the edges firmly to seal and crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.

5. Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each stick with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.

6. Bake: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

7. Serve: Let the sticks cool slightly before serving. Serve them on their own or with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients (approximate per stick)

• Calories: ~150-200 kcal (depending on size)

• Fat: ~10 g

• Saturated Fat: ~5 g

• Carbohydrates: ~15 g

• Protein: ~7 g

• Sodium: ~350 mg

• Sugars: ~1 g

The Flaky, Buttery Puff Pastry

The foundation of Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks is the puff pastry itself. Puff pastry is beloved for its light, flaky texture and buttery flavor, which comes from the many layers of dough and butter that are folded together and then baked. When baked, puff pastry puffs up into delicate layers, creating a crispy, crunchy exterior while the interior remains soft and airy.

Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick, cutting down on preparation time while still delivering that signature light and crisp texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just looking for a shortcut, puff pastry provides a simple and effective way to create a delicious snack with minimal effort. The key to perfect puff pastry sticks is ensuring the pastry is rolled out evenly, not too thick, and cut into strips of the right size to hold the ham and cheese.

The buttery flavor of the puff pastry is essential to the overall taste of the sticks. It provides the perfect base that allows the flavors of the ham and cheese to shine, while also adding richness and complexity to the snack. The golden, crispy exterior of the baked pastry gives the sticks an irresistible crunch, creating the perfect contrast with the melty, gooey cheese inside.

The Savory Filling: Ham and Cheese

The combination of ham and cheese is a classic pairing that never goes out of style, and it’s a flavor profile that works beautifully in these puff pastry sticks. The ham provides a salty, savory base, while the cheese adds creaminess and richness. For these sticks, thinly sliced deli ham is ideal because it’s easy to work with and melts nicely when baked.

There are many types of cheese that can be used in this recipe, each offering a unique flavor profile. Swiss cheese brings a slightly nutty and mild flavor, while cheddar offers a sharp and bold taste. Mozzarella, on the other hand, melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy taste. The choice of cheese is up to you and can be customized based on what you prefer or have on hand. The cheese should be thinly sliced or shredded to ensure it melts evenly and blends well with the ham.

The combination of melted cheese and the savory ham creates a satisfying, rich filling that’s perfectly complemented by the flaky pastry. As the puff pastry bakes, the cheese becomes soft and gooey, while the ham remains flavorful and tender, creating the ideal texture inside the crisp pastry. The result is a perfect balance of savory flavors, with the cheese and ham melding together in each bite.

Customization with Herbs

One of the best aspects of these Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks is their versatility. While ham and cheese are the base flavors, you can easily customize them to your liking by adding herbs or other seasonings. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be sprinkled on top of the cheese before folding the pastry to add a fragrant, earthy note to the filling.

The inclusion of herbs can elevate the flavor profile of the sticks, giving them an extra layer of depth. Rosemary, with its aromatic and piney flavor, pairs beautifully with the richness of the ham and cheese. Thyme, with its slightly lemony, savory flavor, can add a touch of brightness to balance the richness of the filling. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the dish.

For those who prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can be added to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar can bring a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. The possibilities for customization are endless, making these puff pastry sticks adaptable to any flavor preference.

The Importance of the Egg Wash

Before baking, these puff pastry sticks are brushed with a simple egg wash made from a beaten egg. The egg wash serves a few important purposes in the recipe. First, it gives the pastry a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes, creating an appealing, glossy finish. The egg wash helps the puff pastry achieve that perfect golden crust, making the sticks look as good as they taste.

In addition to improving the appearance, the egg wash also enhances the texture of the pastry. The thin layer of egg helps to crisp the exterior of the puff pastry, ensuring that each bite is satisfyingly crunchy. The egg wash also helps to seal the edges of the pastry, ensuring that the ham and cheese stay inside while baking, preventing any leakage of the filling.

Baking and Serving: The Perfect Snack

Once assembled and brushed with egg wash, the puff pastry sticks are baked until golden brown and puffed. The baking time is relatively short, typically around 15-20 minutes, which makes these an ideal snack when you’re pressed for time but still want something delicious and impressive.

When baked, the pastry becomes wonderfully crisp, while the cheese inside melts and melds with the ham. The result is a warm, gooey, and flavorful filling encased in a crispy, buttery crust. These puff pastry sticks are perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers at parties, where guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them with their hands.

For an extra treat, you can serve the puff pastry sticks with a dipping sauce, such as mustard, a tangy tomato sauce, or even a homemade ranch dip. Mustard, with its sharp and tangy flavor, complements the richness of the ham and cheese, while adding a zesty contrast to the buttery puff pastry. The combination of dipping the sticks into sauce adds another layer of flavor and makes the snack even more fun and interactive.

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks for Any Occasion

These Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are incredibly versatile and can be served at various occasions. They make an excellent choice for parties, as they are easy to prepare and serve in bite-sized pieces. The individual portions make them perfect for guests to enjoy without any mess or hassle. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a more formal event, these puff pastry sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Additionally, they can be served as a quick snack for family members or enjoyed as a light lunch. Pair them with a simple salad or vegetable soup for a complete meal, or serve them alongside other appetizers at a gathering. Their versatility also makes them a great option for meal prep, as they can be made in advance, stored, and reheated when needed.

For kids, these puff pastry sticks are an easy and fun way to enjoy a classic combination of ham and cheese. Their handheld nature makes them perfect for little hands, and their mild flavor ensures that even picky eaters will enjoy them. You can also switch up the filling by adding other ingredients, like vegetables or different types of cheese, to suit your child’s preferences.

Conclusion: A Savory and Satisfying Snack

Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are a delightful and satisfying snack that offers the perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry, savory ham, and melty cheese. With their crispy exterior and gooey interior, these roll-ups are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer, or for a fun meal at home. The versatility of the recipe allows you to customize the filling with herbs or spices, and the option to serve them with dipping sauces makes them even more enjoyable.

These puff pastry sticks are simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation. The use of store-bought puff pastry saves time, while the fillings are easy to adapt to your taste. Whether you’re making them for a special event or a casual snack, Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves savory, cheesy treats.