Ham And Cheese Sticks

$- 1 cup diced cooked ham - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 sheet of puff pastry, fully thawed - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional) When I make ham and cheese sticks, I love starting with fresh, quality ingredients. The diced cooked ham gives a savory kick. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, making each bite creamy. Cream cheese adds richness, making the filling smooth and decadent. Herbs like chives and parsley give a fresh touch. They balance the savory flavors and make the dish pop. Garlic powder adds a warm, savory note, while black pepper brings a gentle heat. Don't forget the puff pastry! It creates a flaky, golden crust. The egg wash helps it shine when baked. If you like some crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They add a nice texture and flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make a tasty snack everyone will love! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking. - In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 cup diced cooked ham - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup softened cream cheese - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Stir well until all the ingredients blend into a creamy mix. - Dust your work area with flour. - Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. - Cut the pastry into strips, each 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. - At one end of each strip, add a generous tablespoon of the ham mixture. - Fold the pastry over the filling or roll it up tightly. - Use a fork to press down the edges and seal them firmly. - Brush the tops of the sticks with beaten egg wash. - If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. - Place the sticks on the lined baking sheet, spaced apart. - Bake them for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed. - After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before serving. To make ham and cheese sticks that wow, I suggest baking them at 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives you golden, flaky pastry. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. The sticks should puff up and turn a nice golden brown. For the filling, aim for a creamy texture. If you use too much cream cheese, it can get runny. Mix diced ham, mozzarella, and cream cheese well. This blend creates a rich taste. The fresh herbs add a nice touch, too. When serving these sticks, warm is best. Place them on a nice platter for a fun look. Pair them with zesty spicy mustard or a tangy ranch dip. These sauces add flavor and make the snack more exciting. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for color. This small touch makes your dish pop. One common mistake is overfilling the pastry. If you add too much filling, it can spill out while baking. Stick to a generous tablespoon of the mix at the end of each strip. Handling the puff pastry can be tricky. Be sure to flour your surface lightly. This helps prevent sticking. When sealing the edges, use a fork to press down firmly. This keeps the filling inside, ensuring a perfect bite every time. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in your ham and cheese sticks. Try using cheddar or gouda. These cheeses bring rich and bold flavors. Mixing different cheeses can create a tasty depth. For example, blend mozzarella with sharp cheddar. This combo will give your sticks a delightful twist. Adding spices can make your snack even better. A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick. You can also toss in some veggies. Spinach or bell peppers add color and crunch. Simply chop them finely and mix with the cheese and ham. This way, your snack gets a healthy upgrade. If you're gluten-free, don't worry! You can use gluten-free pastry for the sticks. There are many great brands available. For those who prefer vegan options, swap the dairy. Use plant-based cream cheese and cheese. You can still enjoy delicious, cheesy flavors without the animal products. After you make your ham and cheese sticks, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. When you're ready to eat them, you can re-crisp them. To do this, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. Both methods give you a nice crunch. If you want to keep your ham and cheese sticks longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before baking. This way, they are ready to cook without losing flavor. In the fridge, your ham and cheese sticks will last about 3 to 4 days. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell sour or look discolored, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses. Keeping food safe is important for good health. Enjoy your tasty snack without worry! To make ham and cheese sticks, follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a bowl, mix diced cooked ham, shredded mozzarella, and softened cream cheese. Add chopped chives, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. 3. Lightly flour your counter. Roll out the puff pastry to 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into strips, about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. 4. Place a tablespoon of the ham mix at one end of each pastry strip. Fold or roll it tightly. Use a fork to seal the edges. 5. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds if you want. 6. Place the sticks on the baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. 7. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These tasty sticks make a great snack or light meal. Yes, you can use pre-made puff pastry. It's a great time-saver for busy cooks. Just make sure it is fully thawed before you roll it out. This option still gives you crispy, flaky results. Feel free to check the package for any specific instructions. Using store-bought pastry can help you focus on the filling. It still tastes delicious and looks impressive. Here are some great dips that go well with ham and cheese sticks: - Spicy mustard: Adds a nice kick. - Ranch dressing: Creamy and cool. - Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy flavor. - Marinara sauce: A classic for a tomato twist. These dips can enhance the taste and make your snack even more fun! This blog post covered all you need for tasty ham and cheese sticks. We detailed the key ingredients, from ham to cheese and seasonings. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, bake, and serve them. I also shared tips to improve your dish and avoid mistakes. You can experiment with variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best flavor. Enjoy making these delicious snacks for yourself and your friends!$

Indulge in the ultimate snack with these Cheesy Ham & Herb Delight Sticks! Packed with creamy mozzarella, diced ham, and fresh herbs, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any gathering. Easy to make with puff pastry, they bake to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Ready to impress your guests? Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious appetizer to your table today!

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Ingredients

1 cup diced cooked ham

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 sheet of puff pastry, fully thawed

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In a medium bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, chopped chives, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated into a creamy filling.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the pastry into strips measuring approximately 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.

For assembly, place a generous tablespoon of the ham and cheese mixture at one end of each pastry strip, taking care not to overfill.

Carefully fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket, or roll it up tightly, ensuring the mix is properly enclosed. Use a fork to seal the edges by pressing them down firmly.

Brush the tops of each delightful stick with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden sheen during baking. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top for added crunch and flavor.

Arrange the prepared sticks on the lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced slightly apart for even cooking. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown.

Once baked, remove the ham and cheese sticks from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 sticks

- Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful sticks warm on a decorative platter, accompanied by a side of zesty spicy mustard or your favorite homemade dipping sauce for a delightful culinary experience!