Ham and Cheese Sticks: A Quick and Tasty Snack

 



Method

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
    • Use a rolling pin to gently roll out each sheet to smooth out any creases and to make them slightly larger.
    • Cut each sheet into 8 equal rectangles, giving you a total of 16 rectangles.

  3. Assemble the Ham and Cheese Sticks:

    • Place a slice of ham on each rectangle of puff pastry, folding it if necessary to fit.
    • Place a slice of cheese on top of the ham.
    • Roll up each rectangle, starting from a short side, and place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Apply the Egg Wash:

    • In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
    • Brush the top of each roll with the egg wash.
    • If desired, sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

  5. Bake the Ham and Cheese Sticks:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
    • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

  6. Serve:

    • Serve the ham and cheese sticks warm, with marinara sauce or honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Sticks

  • Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold when you work with it to make handling easier and to get a better rise when baking.
  • Cheese Choices: Use cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone.
  • Sealing: Make sure to place the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
  • Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning with other herbs or spices, like garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper.

Versatile and Delicious

Ham and Cheese Sticks can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions:

  • Different Fillings: Try using turkey or chicken slices instead of ham, or add some spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ham with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
  • Cheese Sticks: For a simpler version, make plain cheese sticks by omitting the ham and using just cheese.
ENJOY IT!!!