Description
These Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delightful fusion of savory beef, smoky ham, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for game day, after-school treats, or cozy nights in, they’re sure to bring smiles with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Puff Pastry
- Thinly sliced beef ham
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Provolone cheese (optional)
- Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Dried herbs like oregano or thyme (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pastry: First things first, get your puff pastry ready. Remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. You want it pliable but still cool. Once thawed, gently unroll your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. If needed, you can lightly roll it out with a rolling pin to an even thickness, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, ensuring it’s a nice rectangular shape.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: While you're working with the pastry, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Layer the Fillings: Now for the fun part – assembly! If you're using any optional flavor boosters like Dijon mustard or herbs, spread or sprinkle them evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a half-inch border along one of the longer edges clear. Next, arrange your thinly sliced beef ham over the pastry, covering it completely. Then, evenly sprinkle your chosen cheese over the ham. Don't overload it, or it will be difficult to roll and may ooze out excessively during baking.
- Roll It Up: Starting from one of the longer edges that has the filling all the way to the edge, carefully but firmly roll the pastry up into a tight log. Roll towards the plain half-inch border you left. Once rolled, press the seam gently to seal it. You should have a neat, filled log of pastry.
- Cut into Sticks: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick 'sticks.' I find that a good, clean slice ensures beautiful layers. You should get about 12-16 sticks per sheet, depending on how thick you cut them.
- Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the cut sticks onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for even baking. In a small bowl, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk to create your egg wash. Lightly brush the tops and sides of each stick with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden shine and a lovely crisp crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Don't overfill the sticks to ensure they roll easily and cook evenly. You can also chill the rolled pastry log for cleaner cuts. Consider adding a flavorful spread like Dijon mustard for extra taste.