Ham and Cheese Sticks

### Instructions: How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

**Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry**
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, you’ll likely have two sheets in a package. Place one sheet on the prepared baking sheet.

**Step 3: Layer the Ham and Cheese**
On the puff pastry, lay out the slices of ham evenly across the surface. Make sure the ham covers most of the pastry, leaving about half an inch from the edges. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the ham.

**Step 4: Add a Touch of Mustard (Optional)**
For a tangy twist, lightly spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the ham before adding the cheese. This step is optional but adds a delicious layer of flavor that enhances the savory notes of the ham.

**Step 5: Roll and Cut**
Carefully roll up the puff pastry from one edge, like a jelly roll, until it forms a log. Once rolled up, cut the log into about 1-inch slices. You should get around 12 to 15 slices, depending on how thick you cut them.

**Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash**
Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush the egg wash onto each of the ham and cheese slices. This will give the sticks a golden, crispy finish once they bake. If you prefer, you can sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top for extra seasoning.

**Step 7: Bake**
Place the ham and cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out a little so they don’t touch during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

**Step 8: Garnish and Serve**
Once they’re done baking, remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can garnish them with some chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, but this is optional.

### Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sticks

– **Use High-Quality Ham**: For the best flavor, use high-quality deli ham that’s thinly sliced. You can also use cooked ham or leftover holiday ham for a more substantial version of this snack.

– **Choose the Right Cheese**: Swiss cheese is a classic choice for ham, but you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find what you love most.

– **Customize the Filling**: Add some extras to your filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, or even spinach, for a more substantial treat. You can also add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

– **Make Them Ahead**: If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can assemble the sticks, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them at this stage and bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra few minutes to the baking time.

– **For a Crispy Finish**: For an even crunchier result, you can sprinkle a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the egg wash before baking.

### Why Ham and Cheese Sticks Are a Crowd Favorite

The combination of flaky pastry, savory ham, and melted cheese is irresistible to almost everyone. The puff pastry gives these sticks an airy, buttery texture, while the ham adds a salty, savory richness. The gooey cheese ties everything together, creating a flavor-packed bite that’s sure to please.

These little handheld delights are perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or even as an easy after-school snack. They can be served with a dipping sauce, like mustard, ranch, or marinara, to elevate the flavor even further. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for lunch, they’ll definitely be gone before you know it!

### Conclusion: The Ultimate Savory Snack

**Ham and Cheese Sticks** are the perfect snack for any occasion. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your guests. With their flaky crust, savory ham, and melty cheese, these sticks are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Plus, they’re versatile and easy to customize with your favorite cheeses, meats, and spices.

So, whether you’re planning a party, a family get-together, or just need a savory snack, these **Ham and Cheese Sticks** will satisfy everyone’s cravings and leave them coming back for more!