Description
Ham and Cheese Sticks are delightful puff pastry appetizers featuring layers of savory deli ham and melted cheddar or Swiss cheese. These golden, flaky twists are perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, these sticks offer a satisfying combination of crispy pastry and gooey cheese with an optional touch of Dijon mustard and seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 slices deli ham
- 6 slices cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle. This creates an even base for layering the ingredients.
- Spread Mustard (Optional): If using Dijon mustard, gently spread it evenly over the surface of the pastry for added flavor depth.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place the deli ham slices evenly over half of the puff pastry rectangle, then layer the cheese slices over the ham, distributing them uniformly.
- Fold and Seal Pastry: Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the ham and cheese layers, pressing gently along the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Cut and Twist Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the folded pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Slightly twist each strip to create the signature spiral shape and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Brush this mixture over the tops of each pastry stick to promote a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds over the egg-washed sticks for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the sticks are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a quicker preparation, use pre-sliced puff pastry sticks or crescent dough.
- These sticks can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley layered with the ham and cheese.
- To make a vegetarian version, replace deli ham with vegetarian ham and use suitable cheese options.
