Pin it
Ham and cheese sticks are my little guilty pleasure for snack time. The flaky, crispy puff pastry hiding a melty heart of ham and cheese always wows friends who drop by. I often make them ahead on weekends so I've got a tasty treat ready to go. The method couldn't be easier and they turn out absolutely mouthwatering every time.
Irresistible Bite-sized Treats
What I love about these little sticks is how the textures play together. The golden, crunchy puff pastry breaks apart to show off the soft inside where the ham and cheese have gotten all cozy during baking. They're my secret weapon for last-minute get-togethers and guests always ask for more.
Shopping List
- Puff pastry: One roll of my go-to brand, left out for half an hour before using
- Ham: One cup chopped into tiny cubes
- Grated cheese: One cup of my favorite emmental
- Egg: One fresh egg for the glaze
- Salt and pepper: A dash of each to boost flavor
Foolproof Approach
- Hot oven ready
- First thing I do is heat up my oven to 200°C and grab my trusty baking sheet that I cover with parchment paper.
- Pastry prep
- On my floured counter I unroll the pastry and cut it into neat, even rectangles.
- Filling time
- I put my ham and cheese mix on each rectangle, leaving a small edge all around.
- Rolling up
- I carefully roll each rectangle and seal the edges with a bit of beaten egg.
- Baking magic
- I brush my rolls with beaten egg, sprinkle salt and pepper, then pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they're golden brown.
Versatile Snacking
These little sticks work for any situation. I serve them as appetizers of course, but they're also great for a quick lunch with a green salad. They're perfect for picnics or kids' lunchboxes too. Their handy size makes them super portable.
Keeping Fresh
I store my sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To get them crispy again, I warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 175°C. Don't use the microwave if you want to keep that nice crunch.
Pin it
Tasty Twists
I like to switch things up based on what I'm feeling. Sometimes I swap ham for smoked turkey or crispy bacon. A dab of whole grain mustard adds an extra kick. And for cheese, I'll go with mozzarella or parmesan when I want something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can you make them ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them chilled. Brush with egg wash just before baking for the best results.
- → What's the best cheese for this?
- Cheddar works great since it melts well, but Gruyère or Emmental is good too. Avoid wet cheeses—they'll soak the dough.
- → How to get them extra crispy?
- Make sure to preheat the oven to 200°C and brush generously with beaten egg. Use cold puff pastry for the best crunch.
- → What's the best way to store them?
- You can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to bring back the crunch.
- → Can you freeze them?
- Yes, freeze them raw on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.