30-Minute Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls

The easiest, cheesiest appetizer that’s ready in a flash!

• Perfect golden-brown Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls in just 30 minutes
• No special equipment needed – just pantry staples and basic tools
• Each stick delivers the perfect ratio of flaky dough, savory ham, and melty cheese
• Make ahead and reheat later for stress-free entertaining

The Perfect Quick Appetizer Solution

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day? These Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls are your delicious answer. I’ve been making these golden, flaky sticks for years, and they disappear within minutes at every gathering!

The beauty of Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll create warm, savory treats that look impressive but require almost no effort. The combination of buttery crescent rolls wrapped around savory ham and melty cheese creates the perfect bite every time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at breakfast, lunch, or as party appetizers.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 Sticks)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	680mg
Total Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	5g
Protein	12g

What You’ll Need For Ham and Cheese Sticks

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount (For 4 Persons)
Refrigerated crescent roll dough	2 tubes (8 oz each)
Sliced ham	8 oz (about 8 slices)
Swiss cheese	8 slices
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons, melted
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Sesame seeds (optional)	1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard (for dipping)	¼ cup
Honey (for dipping)	2 tablespoons

Kitchen Tools

Tool	Purpose
Baking sheet	For baking the Ham and Cheese Sticks
Parchment paper	Prevents sticking to the baking sheet
Pastry brush	For applying butter mixture evenly
Sharp knife	For cutting dough and creating sticks
Small bowl	For mixing butter and seasonings
Measuring spoons	For accurate measurements
Cooling rack	For cooling sticks after baking
Spatula	For transferring sticks to serving plate

Possible Substitutions

• Cheese options: Swap Swiss for cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
• Meat alternatives: Use turkey or chicken instead of ham
• Dough options: Try pizza dough instead of crescent rolls
• Seasoning swaps: Replace Italian seasoning with ranch seasoning
• Topping ideas: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls

Preparation Phase (5-7 minutes)

1. Set up your oven:
   • Place a rack in the middle position of your oven
   • Preheat to 375°F (190°C) – this takes about 10 minutes, so do it first
   • If your oven has hot spots, plan to rotate the pan halfway through baking
2. Prepare your baking sheet:
   • Take out a standard-sized baking sheet (approximately 18×13 inches)
   • Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the sheet completely
   • Place the parchment on the sheet, making sure it lays flat
   • If you don’t have parchment paper, spray the baking sheet thoroughly with cooking spray
3. Organize your workspace:
   • Clear a clean, flat area of your counter (at least 2 feet by 2 feet)
   • Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
   • Set out all ingredients before starting
   • Measure out all seasonings and place in small containers
4. Prepare refrigerated items:
   • Take the crescent roll tubes out of the refrigerator
   • Let them sit at room temperature for exactly 5 minutes (if too warm, they become sticky; too cold, they crack)
   • Do NOT open tubes yet
   • Arrange ham slices on a plate and separate them for easy access
   • Take out cheese slices and unwrap them
5. Make the butter mixture:
   • Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl
   • Microwave in 10-second intervals until just melted (about 20-30 seconds total)
   • Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
   • Stir with a spoon until completely mixed
   • Set aside but keep within reach

Assembly Phase (15-17 minutes)

1. Open the crescent roll tubes:
   • Hold tube horizontally
   • Find the perforated tab marked on the packaging
   • Peel back the packaging carefully along the perforated line
   • If it doesn’t open easily, tap the seam gently against the counter
   • Be prepared for the “pop” sound when it opens
2. Prepare the crescent dough:
   • Unroll the first tube of dough onto your clean work surface
   • The dough will come out as a rectangle with perforated diagonal lines
   • Using your fingertips, gently press along the perforations to seal them
   • Continue pressing until you have a solid rectangle with no holes
   • Repeat with the second tube of dough on another section of counter
3. Shape the dough:
   • Gently stretch each rectangle to approximately 12×8 inches
   • If the dough sticks to your fingers, dust your hands with a tiny bit of flour
   • Use a light touch – pressing too hard will make the dough tough
   • Make sure the thickness is even throughout
   • If dough tears, simply press it back together with your fingers
4. Layer your ingredients (first rectangle):
   • Place 4 slices of ham evenly over the first rectangle of dough
   • Leave a ½-inch border around all edges (this helps with sealing)
   • The ham slices should slightly overlap to cover the dough
   • Layer 4 slices of cheese on top of the ham
   • If the cheese slices are larger than the ham, trim them to fit
5. Layer your ingredients (second rectangle):
   • Repeat the same layering process with the second rectangle
   • Make sure both rectangles have an equal amount of filling
   • Press down very gently on the fillings to help them stick to the dough
   • Check that your border is still visible all the way around
6. Roll the filled dough:
   • Starting at one long edge of the first rectangle, begin rolling
   • Roll slowly and with even pressure, like rolling a cinnamon roll
   • Keep the roll tight but not so tight that fillings squeeze out
   • When fully rolled, position the seam side down on the counter
   • Gently press along the seam with your fingertips to seal it
   • Repeat with the second rectangle
7. Prepare for cutting:
   • Use your hands to gently shape each roll into an even cylinder
   • If any part looks thinner or thicker, gently reshape it
   • For perfectly even sticks, use a ruler to mark where to cut
   • Make small indentations with your finger at 1-inch intervals
8. Cut into sticks:
   • With a sharp knife, cut each roll into 8 equal pieces (about 1-inch wide)
   • Clean the knife with a paper towel between cuts for neater slices
   • Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing down hard
   • If filling escapes, carefully tuck it back in
   • You should now have 16 individual Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls
9. Transfer to baking sheet:
   • Using your hands or a spatula, carefully transfer each stick to the prepared baking sheet
   • Place them at least 1 inch apart (they will expand during baking)
   • Make sure the seam side is down on all sticks
   • Arrange in rows for even baking
10. Final preparation before baking:
    • Use a pastry brush to gently coat the tops and sides of each stick with the butter mixture
    • Make sure to get into the crevices where cheese is showing
    • If using sesame seeds, sprinkle them evenly over the tops
    • Don’t press the seeds in – they’ll stick to the butter naturally

Baking Phase (10-12 minutes)

1. Place in preheated oven:
   • Check that oven is fully preheated to 375°F
   • Carefully slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack
   • Close the oven door gently to avoid disturbing the sticks
   • Set a timer for 10 minutes
2. Monitor while baking:
   • Turn on your oven light to check progress without opening the door
   • At the 5-minute mark, you’ll see the sticks starting to puff up
   • If your oven bakes unevenly, rotate the pan 180 degrees at the 5-minute mark
   • Watch closely during the final 2 minutes – this is when burning can happen quickly
3. Check for doneness:
   • At 10 minutes, look for these signs that your Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls are done:
     • Golden brown color on top and edges
     • Dough should look dry, not shiny or wet
     • Some cheese may be bubbling slightly at the edges
     • Bottoms should be golden brown, not pale
   • If needed, bake for 1-2 minutes more, checking every minute
   • Remember that they will continue cooking slightly after removal

Finishing Touches (3-5 minutes)

1. Cooling process:
   • Remove baking sheet from oven using oven mitts
   • Place baking sheet on a heat-safe surface or cooling rack
   • Let the Ham and Cheese Sticks cool on the baking sheet for exactly 3 minutes
   • This brief cooling period helps them set and firm up
   • They should be warm but not too hot to handle
2. Prepare the dipping sauce:
   • While sticks are cooling, mix ¼ cup Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons honey in a small bowl
   • Stir until completely combined and smooth
   • Transfer to a serving dish
   • For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper to the sauce
3. Transfer and serve:
   • After 3 minutes of cooling, use a spatula to transfer sticks to a serving plate
   • Arrange in a circular pattern around the dipping sauce
   • If any sticks broke during baking, place these at the bottom of the pile
   • Serve immediately while still warm for the best melty cheese experience

Beginner’s Timing Guide

• Total prep time before heating oven: 5 minutes
• Oven preheating time: 10 minutes (happens simultaneously with other prep)
• Assembly time: 15-17 minutes
• Baking time: 10-12 minutes
• Final cooling and plating: 3-5 minutes
• Total time from start to serving: 30-35 minutes

Troubleshooting Your Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls

Problem: Dough is too sticky to work with Solution: Place in refrigerator for 5-7 minutes to firm up, then try again

Problem: Filling leaking out during rolling Solution: Use less filling and ensure it’s evenly distributed, leaving a wider border around edges

Problem: Sticks are browning too quickly in oven Solution: Cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time

Problem: Uneven browning across the batch Solution: Rotate pan halfway through baking and make sure oven rack is centered

Problem: Sticks unrolling during baking Solution: Make sure to place seam-side down and pinch edges firmly before baking

Problem: Dough is still raw in some places Solution: Make sure sticks are evenly sized and spaced; if needed, lower oven temperature to 350°F and bake longer

Delicious Variations of Ham and Cheese Sticks

These Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls are incredibly versatile! Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Breakfast Sticks: Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a complete breakfast on-the-go
• Pizza Sticks: Use pepperoni, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of oregano
• Spicy Version: Add pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese (similar to my Grilled Cheese with Jalapeños and Ham)
• Mediterranean: Use feta cheese, spinach, and a touch of sun-dried tomatoes
• Sweet & Savory: Brush with honey instead of garlic butter before baking
• Tex-Mex: Use pepper jack cheese, add a sprinkle of taco seasoning, and serve with salsa

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Fresh Storage:

• Room temperature: Safe for up to 2 hours
• Refrigerator: Place in airtight container with parchment between layers; keeps up to 3 days

Freezing Method:

• Cool Ham and Cheese Sticks completely
• Place in single layer on baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour
• Once frozen, transfer to freezer-safe bag or container
• Label with date and contents
• Keeps for up to 1 month
• For best quality, separate layers with parchment paper

Reheating Options:

• From refrigerated:
  • Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes on a lined baking sheet
  • Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes
  • Microwave: 15-20 seconds (but will be less crispy)
• From frozen:
  • Oven: 350°F for 10-12 minutes
  • Air fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes
  • Do not microwave from frozen (results in soggy texture)

For more creative ham recipes, check out my collection of delicious ham creations that are perfect for any occasion!

Safety Notes & Important Tips for Ham and Cheese Sticks

Food Safety:

• Always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F with a food thermometer
• Don’t leave dairy-based foods at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw dough
• Keep raw dough away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination

Beginner-Friendly Tips:

• Prep ahead: Organize all ingredients before starting for a smoother process
• Make ahead option: Assemble Ham and Cheese Sticks up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready
• Quick defrost: Place crescent rolls in refrigerator night before if frozen
• Even sizing: Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark cutting lines for uniform sticks
• Kid-friendly activity: Let kids help with rolling and sprinkling toppings (with adult supervision)
• Party planning: Calculate 4 sticks per person for appetizers, 8 sticks for a main dish

If you enjoy these Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crescent Rolls, you might also love my Ham and Cheese Empanadas for another delicious handheld treat!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 (4 sticks per person)

Dietary Notes: Contains wheat, dairy, and pork