Ham and Cheese Sticks Recipe – Easy Snack Kids Love

Name: Ham and Cheese Sticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz); 8 slices deli ham, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping); Grated parmesan (optional, for topping); Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional); Honey mustard or ranch (for dipping, optional)

Posted on September 4, 2025

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Let’s be real—the smell of freshly baked ham and cheese sticks wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I whipped these up, my kids practically dove for them before they even cooled! You know that perfect after-school snack that’s quick to make and always gets gobbled up? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this ham and cheese sticks recipe. I stumbled on this combo during a frantic weeknight when all I had was some leftover deli ham, shredded cheese, and a roll of refrigerated pizza dough. One impromptu roll-up later, I had the most fun snack for kids (and, honestly, for adults too). I’ve tested these ham and cheese sticks at birthday parties, after soccer practice, and even as a movie night treat—they always vanish fast.

Ham and cheese sticks are truly a game-changer for busy families. The flavor is classic, the texture is melty and crisp, and the prep is a breeze. Plus, you can tweak them for picky eaters or dietary needs in a flash. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed lunchbox addition or something easy for your next playdate, these sticks never disappoint. They’re the sort of recipe I lean on when time is tight, but I still want something homemade. If you’re hunting for an easy snack kids love, this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Trust me, after baking these more times than I can count, I’m convinced they’re the perfect fun snack for kids (and a sneaky way to get everyone eating a bit more protein!).

So grab your simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a batch of ham and cheese sticks that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try this—your kids are about to have a new favorite snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You can pull these together in under 25 minutes, and most of that is hands-off baking. Perfect for those moments when your kids are “starving” right now.
Simple Ingredients: No hunting for fancy stuff—just grab some ham, cheese, and dough. This ham and cheese sticks recipe is all about convenience!
Perfect for Any Occasion: These are a hit at birthday parties, after-school snacks, lunchboxes, or even casual family get-togethers.
Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I serve these, they’re gone in minutes. Kids love them, adults sneak them, and even picky eaters come back for more.
Unbelievably Delicious: The way the cheese melts and gets gooey inside, surrounded by salty ham and a crispy dough shell—let’s just say you won’t find leftovers.

What makes my ham and cheese sticks recipe stand out? I always blend the cheese with a tiny sprinkle of garlic powder and a dash of Italian seasoning—just enough to bump up the flavor. Rolling the sticks tightly keeps the filling inside, and brushing them with a little melted butter at the end gives that bakery-style golden finish. After plenty of trial and error (some sticks oozed everywhere, some didn’t brown enough), I finally nailed the perfect bake time and roll technique. These aren’t just any ham and cheese sticks—they’re the kind you’ll crave.

Honestly, I think snacks should be fun, flavorful, and stress-free. These little roll-ups tick all the boxes. They’re easy enough for kids to help make (hello, family bonding), and flexible enough to match everyone’s tastes. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a sanity-saver for busy days and a guaranteed way to see smiles at snack time. Give them a try and see why this is the easy snack kids love most!

Ingredients Needed

This ham and cheese sticks recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients. Most are staples you probably already have, and you can swap things in and out depending on what’s in your fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sticks:
- Refrigerated pizza dough (1 sheet, about 13.8 oz / 390 g) – You can use crescent roll dough or homemade if you prefer.
- Deli ham (8 slices, thinly sliced) – I like honey ham for a hint of sweetness, but smoked or Black Forest works great.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup / 120 g) – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend. I usually go for sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons / 28 g, melted) – Adds that irresistible golden finish.
For Flavor:
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) – Optional, but gives a nice savory kick.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon) – Totally optional but adds a herby vibe kids love.
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (sprinkle on top for crunch)
- Grated parmesan (for extra cheesy goodness)
Dipping Sauces:
- Marinara sauce (kids love dunking!)
- Honey mustard or ranch (for variety)

Ingredient Tips: I usually go for Boar’s Head or Applegate ham—the quality stands out. For cheese, Cabot sharp cheddar melts beautifully. If you need gluten-free, use a gluten-free pizza dough (like Schar). Dairy-free? Daiya’s shredded cheese works in a pinch. Got picky eaters? You can use turkey or chicken deli slices instead of ham. Sometimes I toss in some spinach or red bell pepper strips for a veggie boost. The base ingredients are super forgiving—just keep the ratio about the same so you don’t overstuff the sticks.

Pro tip: If you want to make these extra special, roll out the dough a bit thinner and use smaller sticks for little hands. In summer, I’ve swapped in sliced fresh tomatoes for a fun twist. These really are the snacks you can make your own!

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet (lined with parchment for easy cleanup)
Rolling pin (if your dough needs a little stretching)
Sharp knife or pizza cutter (for cutting dough into strips)
Pastry brush (for buttering, you can use a spoon if you don’t have one)
Mixing bowl (for tossing cheese with seasoning)
Measuring cups and spoons (accuracy helps, especially for cheese and seasoning)

If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a clean glass bottle—done it more than once! Pizza cutters are awesome for slicing dough fast, but a sharp kitchen knife does the job just fine. Parchment paper is great for no-stick baking, but foil works too (just grease it a bit). I’ve used my old hand-me-down baking sheet for years; if you’re on a budget, any sturdy tray will work. Just keep an eye on the bottom so nothing burns.

Keep your baking sheet in good shape by lining it every time. If the cheese leaks out, parchment saves you from scrubbing. Pastry brushes are handy for butter, but I’ve used the back of a spoon when mine went missing. Kids love helping with the mixing and rolling, so grab some little helpers—makes the process more fun!

Preparation Method

Prep your oven and workspace: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease). This keeps cleanup easy if the cheese oozes!
Roll out the dough: Unroll the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If it’s thick, gently roll with a rolling pin until about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Try to keep it rectangular—makes cutting easier.
Season the cheese: In a mixing bowl, toss 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheese with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. This step is optional but bumps up the flavor. If you’re skipping seasoning, just use plain cheese.
Cut and layer: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 long strips (about 1.5 inches / 4 cm wide). Lay a slice of ham on each strip. Sprinkle the seasoned cheese evenly across each ham slice. Don’t overstuff—too much cheese will leak out!
Roll up the sticks: Starting at one end, roll each strip up tightly, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. If dough feels sticky, dust your fingers with flour.
Butter and top: Brush each stick with melted butter (2 tablespoons / 28 g). Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or parmesan if you like. The butter helps everything crisp up!
Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.
Cool and serve: Remove sticks from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving—this helps cheese set and avoids burnt fingers.

Troubleshooting Tips: If your sticks open up while baking, pinch the seam tighter before placing on the tray. Cheese leaking out? Use a little less or roll dough tighter. If bottoms are browning too fast, move the tray to a higher rack. I’ve found that letting the dough rest at room temp for 10 minutes before rolling helps prevent cracking.

Sensory cues: You want the sticks golden and cheese just starting to ooze at the edges. They’ll smell savory and buttery—when you see bubbling cheese, you’re ready!

Efficiency tip: Prep all your strips before assembling—makes rolling go faster. I often mix the cheese and seasoning while the oven heats, so everything’s ready at once. Kids love rolling up the dough and sprinkling cheese, so get them involved!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect ham and cheese sticks every single time. First—don’t skimp on sealing the dough. If it’s loose, the cheese escapes and makes a mess (learned that the hard way during a rushed school morning). Pinch the seams with slightly damp fingers for the best seal.

Using cold ham and cheese helps keep the filling inside as the dough bakes. If you want extra-crispy sticks, brush a little extra melted butter over the top after baking and pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch closely, though, because they burn fast!

You might be tempted to overload with cheese, but a modest amount melts perfectly without turning into a puddle. I also recommend rotating your baking sheet halfway through cooking—my old oven has hot spots and this keeps everything evenly golden. If you’re multitasking, prep the sticks in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake (up to 8 hours works).

Personal fail? I once used parchment that wasn’t oven-safe and it smoked up everything—always check the box! For consistent results, try to use dough strips that are similar in size. If you want to bake two trays at once, swap the trays’ positions halfway through for even cooking. And hey, don’t worry if some cheese leaks out—it just makes for tasty crunchy bits on the edges!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this ham and cheese sticks recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Gluten-Free: Swap in a gluten-free pizza dough (Schar or Bob’s Red Mill are good picks). Works just as well—just watch baking time, since gluten-free doughs brown faster.
Vegetarian: Use roasted red pepper strips or sautéed mushrooms instead of ham. My kids love it with spinach and feta for a Greek spin.
Low-Carb/Keto: Use low-carb tortilla wraps or make dough from almond flour. You’ll need to bake for a shorter time—about 8–10 minutes.
Flavor Boost: Add sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Different Cooking Methods: Air fryer fans—cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes. Results are extra crispy!
Allergen Substitutions: Dairy-free cheese works fine, and turkey slices instead of ham help with pork allergies.

Personal twist: Sometimes I make “pizza sticks” by adding a spoonful of marinara inside the roll. It’s messy, but the kids love it! Don’t be afraid to experiment—these sticks are forgiving and fun. If you’ve got leftover veggies, toss them in. Just keep the filling light so everything bakes up nicely.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve ham and cheese sticks warm for the best gooey-cheese experience. I like to arrange them on a platter with small bowls of marinara, ranch, and honey mustard for dipping—makes snack time interactive (and kids love choices!). Pair with apple slices, carrot sticks, or a quick fruit salad for a complete snack plate.

For parties, slice sticks in half for bite-sized appetizers. These also travel well; wrap in foil and slip into lunchboxes—they’ll be just as tasty cold. If you’re prepping ahead, bake, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 20 seconds or pop in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. They’re freezer-friendly too—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.

Over time, the flavors meld and the dough softens slightly—so if you like a softer texture, store overnight. For maximum crunch, eat fresh from the oven. Honestly, these rarely last long enough to worry about leftovers!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each ham and cheese stick (using standard ingredients) packs about 160 calories, 8g protein, 10g fat, and 12g carbs. The protein from ham and cheese helps keep kids full and energized, while the dough offers a satisfying crunch. Using whole-wheat or low-carb dough can boost fiber and lower the carb count.

Key Benefits: You’re getting calcium, protein, and some B vitamins from the cheese and ham. If you swap in turkey or veggies, you can lower fat and sodium. These sticks are nut-free for school safety and can be made gluten- or dairy-free with easy swaps.

From a wellness perspective, I love that these make snack time feel like a treat—without tons of sugar. Just keep an eye out for sodium if using processed meats. For allergies, always check your dough and cheese ingredients for hidden gluten or dairy.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever looked for a snack that’s fast, fun, and always a hit with kids, this ham and cheese sticks recipe should be at the top of your list. With simple ingredients, endless variations, and that irresistible cheesy goodness, it’s hard not to fall in love with these little roll-ups. They’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or just those hunger pangs that strike out of nowhere.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe—add your favorite cheeses, sneak in some veggies, or try new dipping sauces. The best part is watching your kids get excited about snack time (and maybe sneaking a few sticks for yourself!).

Personally, I love how these sticks turn ordinary ingredients into something special. If you try them, let me know in the comments how you customized your batch—or tag me on social with your own twist! Here’s to happy snacking and plenty of cheesy smiles!

FAQs

Can I make ham and cheese sticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep and assemble the sticks, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. You can also bake, cool, and store them for up to 3 days in the fridge.

What’s the best cheese for ham and cheese sticks?

Cheddar and mozzarella are classics, but Colby Jack or Swiss work great too. Sharp cheddar gives the strongest flavor!

Can I freeze ham and cheese sticks?

Yes! Bake them, cool completely, and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.

Do these work with gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pizza dough and dairy-free cheese shreds. The texture might be a bit different, but they’re still delicious.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly and don’t overfill. Pinch the seams well and bake seam-side down. A little leak is normal and makes for yummy crispy bits!

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