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These ham and cheese sticks transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack that's perfect for everything from after-school treats to party appetizers. The combination of flaky dough wrapped around savory ham and melted cheese, all brushed with a flavorful butter sauce, creates an irresistible bite that disappears quickly at any gathering.
Last weekend, I made these for my grandson's baseball team, and the container was empty before I could even sit down. The secret lies in that special butter sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor you don't expect.
Essential Ingredients and Selection
- Crescent Dough: Choose refrigerated sheets rather than perforated crescents for easier handling
- Ham: Opt for quality deli ham sliced medium-thick
- Cheese: Select cheese sticks that melt well but hold their shape
- Butter: Real butter creates the best flavor in the sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth to the butter topping
- Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy contrast to the rich cheese
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Dough Preparation:
- Roll out chilled dough gently on a lightly floured surface. If using perforated crescents, press the perforations together to create a solid sheet and cut into rectangles.
- Assembly Process:
- Lay ham on each rectangle, position the cheese stick slightly off-center, and wrap the dough completely around the filling. Press the seams firmly to seal.
Growing up, my mother would make a version of these for our school lunches. Her secret was adding a tiny bit of honey to the butter sauce - it created a beautiful golden brown crust during baking.
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Temperature Management
Proper oven temperature is crucial. Too hot, and the outside browns before the inside melts; too cool, and the dough becomes soggy. The perfect 350°F gives you golden-brown dough and perfectly melted cheese.
Make-Ahead Options
These can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare them through rolling, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Brush with butter sauce just before baking for the best results.
Storage Solutions
While best enjoyed warm from the oven, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes rather than using the microwave - this maintains their crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Create a dipping station with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. For parties, I often make several varieties using different combinations of meat and cheese to suit various tastes.
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These ham and cheese sticks have become my go-to recipe for any gathering that needs a warm, satisfying snack. They prove that simple ingredients, when treated with care and attention to detail, can create something truly special that brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Prepare and roll them up to 24 hours ahead, store covered in the fridge. Brush with butter mixture just before baking.
- → Do these reheat well?
- Yes, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until warm. Avoid microwave as it makes the dough soggy.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Any firm cheese works well - try mozzarella sticks, pepper jack, or Swiss for variety.
- → Will these work for a party?
- Perfect party food. Make a double batch and cut into smaller pieces. They taste great at room temperature too.
- → How do I prevent cheese leakage?
- Make sure to seal edges well and fold in the ends completely before rolling. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.