Cheesy Ham Sticks: Quick Baked Snack Recipe

I love quick, low-effort lunches and snacks for the kids, and these Ham and Cheese Sticks are perfect. Crescent roll dough is filled with deli ham and a melty cheddar stick, then brushed with a savory butter glaze before baking for an easy, kid-approved treat.

Ham and Cheese Sticks on a grey plate.

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

This family-friendly recipe is simple to make and comes together quickly, so it’s ideal any day of the week. The soft, fluffy crescent dough pairs beautifully with savory deli ham and gooey cheddar. It’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will enjoy, even picky eaters.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Crescent dough sheets: Store-bought dough works great, or use homemade dough if you prefer.

Ham: Deli ham slices are convenient, but leftover ham works fine too.

Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and is my favorite for this recipe, though mozzarella or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.

Butter glaze: A mixture of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion (or onion powder) and poppy seeds is brushed on top for extra flavor.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Unroll the crescent dough sheets and cut each sheet into 4 pieces so you have 8 pieces total. Divide the ham evenly across the pieces of dough and place a cheddar cheese stick on top of each portion of ham. Fold the ends of the dough over the filling and roll to seal the bottom. Place the prepared sticks on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Building the sticks.

Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion (or onion powder), and poppy seeds. Brush the mixture over each stick. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Making the butter mixture.
Brushing the butter mixture on top.
Ham and Cheese Sticks in a pile on the plate.

Variations

Customize this recipe to suit your tastes. A few ideas:

  • Swap cheeses — mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all work well.
  • Use other deli meats if you prefer — turkey, bologna, or chicken are good options.
  • Make your own dough if you want a homemade touch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
  • Using cheese sticks gives the best gooey, melty result.
One of the Ham and Cheese Sticks cut open.

Quick Recipe Details

Servings: 8 sticks

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 tubes crescent dough sheets
  • 1 lb deli-sliced ham
  • 8 cheddar cheese sticks
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 Tbsp dried minced onion or onion powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Roll out the crescent dough sheets and cut each sheet into 4 pieces for a total of 8 pieces.
  3. Divide the ham evenly among the dough pieces. Place a cheddar stick on top of the ham on each piece.
  4. Fold in the ends of each piece of dough and roll to seal the bottom so the cheese stays inside.
  5. Place the prepared sticks on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Mix the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried onion (or onion powder), and poppy seeds in a small bowl.
  7. Brush the butter mixture over each stick.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values: Calories 197 kcal | Protein 13 g | Fat 16 g | Carbohydrates 0.4 g | Sodium 738 mg. These are estimates and will vary based on brands and portion sizes.

Close up of one of the Ham and Cheese Sticks.

More Ham Recipes

  • Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
  • Ham and Egg Cups (Low-Carb)
  • Ham Casserole
  • Dr. Pepper Ham (Slow Cooker)

If you try this recipe, leave a comment or rating so others know how it turned out. Enjoy these Ham and Cheese Sticks warm — they make a great snack, lunch, or simple dinner addition.