Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet or air fryer: Depending on how you want to cook the sticks.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet.
- Toothpicks: Optional, but helpful to hold everything together.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Prepare your ham and cheese: Lay out slices of ham on a cutting board and cut your cheese into sticks that are roughly the same length as the ham slices.
- Wrap it up: Place a cheese stick at the edge of each ham slice and roll it tightly. If needed, secure with a toothpick.
- Cook to perfection: You have a few options here:
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the ham and cheese sticks on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt.
- Air Fryer: Place the ham and cheese sticks in an air fryer at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Once they are golden and the cheese is melted, remove from the oven or air fryer. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your Ham and Cheese Sticks to the next level? Try these fun variations:
- Add a crunch: Wrap the ham and cheese in a sheet of puff pastry or crescent dough for a crispy, flaky layer.
- Switch up the cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can also try cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
- Herb it up: Before wrapping the cheese, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs on the ham for added flavor.
- Dipping sauces: Serve with honey mustard, marinara sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra zest.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you somehow have any leftovers (these tend to go fast!), you can store them easily.
- Fridge: Place any remaining ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the sticks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. If frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Food and Drink Pairings
Ham and Cheese Sticks are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and drinks.
- Side dishes: Serve with a light salad, roasted veggies, or even some crispy potato wedges for a complete meal.
- Beverage pairings: A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the salty, creamy flavor of the ham and cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a twist of lime.