
Melted cheese and tasty ham wrapped in crispy, golden dough make a snack you can't say no to. This combo takes comfort food up a notch. These ham and cheese sticks turn basic stuff into a tasty treat that works great for family get-togethers or fancy finger foods.
I made a batch for my nephew's birthday last week, and they were gone before anyone even cut the cake. Grown-ups kept asking me how I made them while the kids wanted more and more. Even my fussy sister-in-law, who normally stays away from party food, couldn't stop at just one and had three.
The Magic Behind Each Ingredient
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Gives you that amazing flaky bite and golden outside while keeping things super simple
- Good deli ham: Forms the tasty base, try to get slices that aren't too thin for the best bite
- Quality cheese sticks: Make sure you get that perfect melt and cheese stretch, full-fat mozzarella or extra sharp cheddar work best
Whipping Up Delicious Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
- Turn your oven on to 350°F. While it's heating up, roll out the crescent dough on your counter. Push the perforated lines together so you have a solid sheet.
- Step 2: Layer Your Fillings
- Put a slice of ham on each rectangle, leaving a little space around the edges. Put your cheese stick at one end of the rectangle.
- Step 3: Wrap Everything Up
- From the cheese end, roll everything up nice and tight. Push down on the edges to close them up good so no cheese leaks out when baking.
- Step 4: Get Ready To Bake
- Put your rolls on a baking sheet with the seam facing down. Leave some room between them so they cook evenly.
- Step 5: Add Some Flavor
- Mix melted butter with your favorite seasonings in a small bowl. Brush this all over each roll, covering every bit.
- Step 6: Cook Them
- Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake until they turn nice and golden, usually about 12-15 minutes.

When I was little, my grandma always used Swiss cheese in these. She said it had just the right taste and meltiness, and now that I've been making them for years, I totally agree. The slightly nutty flavor of Swiss goes great with any type of ham.
Tasty Companions
Make a killer snack platter by putting these next to some marinara for dipping, fresh cut veggies, and different mustards. If you want to make it more of a meal, add a simple green salad with some tangy dressing.
Switch Things Up
Make these sticks your own by trying different cheeses like smoked gouda or spicy pepper jack. You can add some fresh herbs to the butter mix or swap regular ham for fancy prosciutto to make them extra special.
Storing For Later
Got leftovers? Put them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them, warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes until they're hot again. Don't use the microwave or they'll get all soggy.

I've made these so many times for everything from Super Bowl parties to fancy get-togethers, and I can tell you they're one of the most foolproof and loved recipes I know. The mix of buttery crust, yummy ham, and gooey cheese makes a comfort food combo that keeps people coming back for seconds and thirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep these cheese ham sticks earlier?
- Absolutely! Put them together ahead of time and stick them in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, bake them frozen - just add a few more minutes to your cooking time.
- → What cheese works best for these sticks?
- Cheddar sticks are fantastic, but you might want to try Swiss for a nutty taste or Gouda if you like a creamier melt.
- → How do I keep leftover cheese ham sticks?
- Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in the oven for the best texture.
- → What goes well with these sticks?
- They're yummy with marinara sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping. A fresh side salad makes a good partner too.
- → Can I swap the crescent dough for something else?
- Puff pastry works great too. Just keep it cold until you're ready to use it for the best outcome.