Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Ham and Cheese Sticks featuring flaky puff pastry filled with savory ham, melty cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat, these golden-baked sticks are flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package of puff pastry (about 17.3 oz), thawed
- 6 oz deli ham, sliced
- 6 oz cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix), sliced or shredded
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the sticks bake evenly and do not stick.
- Roll out puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thickness for a delicate, flaky texture.
- Cut the pastry: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into rectangles approximately 3 by 5 inches, yielding 12 to 16 pieces depending on your cuts.
- Spread mustard: Take one rectangle and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over half of it to add a tangy depth to the flavor.
- Add ham and cheese: Layer a slice of deli ham on the mustard-coated half, followed by a slice or sprinkle of your chosen cheese for a savory filling.
- Add parsley and seasoning: If using, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cheese to brighten the flavors, then season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness of ham and cheese.
- Fold and seal: Fold the uncoated half of the pastry over the filling to form a pocket. Press down firmly and crimp the edges with a fork to seal the sticks completely and prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the assembled sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow puffing.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the beaten egg over the tops of the sticks to give them a glossy, golden finish once baked.
- Repeat assembly: Continue the process with the remaining pastry rectangles until all sticks are prepared.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry has risen and turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to enjoy warm, flaky ham and cheese bites.
Notes
- You can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken slices for a different protein option.
- Use your preferred cheese or a mix to vary the flavor profile.
- Chilling the puff pastry briefly before cutting can help achieve cleaner edges.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
- These sticks can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ham and Cheese Sticks, Puff Pastry Snacks, Savory Appetizer, Easy Party Food, Baked Ham Cheese Pastry
