Crispy, flaky, and rich with savory flavor, these Ham and Cheese Sticks feature layers of savory deli ham and melted cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry. Brushed with seasoned garlic butter, they make an effortless party appetizer or crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
- 6 slices thin deli ham (such as Black Forest or honey ham)
- 1 cup Swiss or Gruyère cheese, finely shredded (or Mozzarella)
- 1 large egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Layer Fillings: Lay the ham slices evenly over one half of the pastry sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ham.
- Fold & Slice: Fold the un-topped half of the puff pastry over the ham and cheese filling to create a filled rectangle. Press down gently to seal. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the pastry lengthwise into 12 long strips (about ¾-inch wide).
- Twist & Arrange: Gently twist each strip two or three times to form a spiral. Place the twisted sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each.
- Brush & Bake: Whisk together the egg and water; brush the top of each twisted stick with the egg wash. Stir the melted butter with garlic powder, parsley, and Parmesan, then lightly brush over the tops. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep the Pastry Chilled: Work quickly so the butter layers in the puff pastry stay cold; this creates the flakiest layers when baking.
- Add Dijonnaise: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard or honey mustard over the pastry before adding the ham for an extra tangy kick.