Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls: A Perfect Party Snack

Key Takeaways:

• Ready in 25 minutes with just 5 main ingredients
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead party planning
• Works with any cheese and ham combo you prefer
• Perfect for both kids’ lunches and adult appetizers

Looking for a quick party snack that’s sure to please? These ham and cheese sticks with crescent rolls are your answer. They combine savory ham, melted cheese, and flaky dough into one irresistible bite.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 2 tubes crescent roll dough
• 8 slices deli ham
• 8 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: 1 teaspoon poppy seeds for topping

Kitchen Equipment:

• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Get organized first:
   • Take all ingredients out of the refrigerator
   • Let butter melt at room temperature or microwave for 15 seconds
   • Clear your counter space and wash your hands
   • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Preheat the oven:
   • Set oven to 375°F
   • Place oven rack in the middle position
   • Give your oven at least 10 minutes to fully heat up

Assembly Steps (15 minutes)

3. Prepare the dough:
   • Open one tube of crescent rolls carefully (they pop!)
   • Unroll the dough gently on a clean, flat surface
   • Find the pre-cut triangles in the dough
   • Press any seams together with your fingertips to make rectangles
   • Repeat with the second tube
4. Cut the strips:
   • Using a sharp knife, cut each rectangle into three even strips
   • Make your cuts lengthwise (the long way)
   • Each tube should give you 12 strips total
   • Keep unused dough in the fridge while working
5. Prep the fillings:
   • Cut ham slices in half if they’re too big
   • Cut cheese slices to match the size of your dough strips
   • Leave a 1/4-inch border around all edges for sealing
6. Fill and roll:
   • Place one piece of ham on each strip
   • Add one piece of cheese on top of the ham
   • Starting from the long side
   • Roll slowly and evenly, like rolling a sleeping bag
   • Pinch all edges firmly to seal (this prevents cheese leaks)

Final Touches (5 minutes)

7. Make the butter mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine:
   • 2 tablespoons melted butter
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • Stir until well mixed
8. Finish the rolls:
   • Place rolls seam-side down on the lined baking sheet
   • Leave 1 inch of space between each roll
   • Using a pastry brush, coat each roll with butter mixture
   • If using poppy seeds, sprinkle them on now

Baking (12-15 minutes)

9. Bake the rolls:
   • Place baking sheet in preheated oven
   • Set timer for 12 minutes
   • Check at 12 minutes – they should be golden brown
   • If needed, bake 2-3 minutes more
   • Look for even browning and slight puffing
10. Cool and serve:
    • Remove from oven using oven mitts
    • Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet
    • Transfer to serving plate using a spatula

Troubleshooting Tips

• If dough gets too warm: Put it back in the fridge for 5 minutes
• If seams won’t stick: Wet fingertips with water and press again
• If cheese leaks: Don’t worry, it will create crispy edges
• If browning too fast: Cover loosely with foil
• If not browning enough: Brush with more butter mixture

Safety Notes

• Use oven mitts when handling hot pans
• Keep children away from the hot oven
• Don’t leave the kitchen while baking
• Let cool before eating to prevent burns from hot cheese

This detailed guide should help even complete beginners create perfect ham and cheese sticks. Take your time with each step, and remember that practice makes perfect!