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I'm crazy about ham and cheese sticks as my go-to party snack. There's something about that crispy puff pastry hiding a melty ham and cheese center that always wows friends who drop by. I often whip them up on weekends so I've got a tasty treat ready to go. The whole process couldn't be easier, and honestly, they're absolutely addictive.
Scrumptious Bite-sized Treats
What gets me every time with these little sticks is how the textures play together. You bite through that golden, flaky crust and find this soft middle where the ham and cheese have gotten all cozy during baking. They're my secret weapon for last-minute get-togethers, and guests always ask for seconds.
Shopping List
- Puff pastry: One roll of whatever brand you like, left out for half an hour
- Ham: One cup chopped into tiny squares
- Grated cheese: One cup of emmental or whatever you fancy
- Egg: One fresh egg for that golden finish
- Salt and pepper: Just a dash of each to boost flavor
Foolproof Steps
- Hot oven ready
- First thing I do is heat my oven to 200°C and grab my favorite baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Pastry prep
- I roll out my dough on a floured counter and cut it into neat rectangles.
- Filling time
- I spread my ham and cheese mix on each rectangle but leave a small edge all around.
- Rolling up
- I carefully roll each rectangle and use a bit of beaten egg to stick the edges together.
- Baking magic
- I brush my rolls with beaten egg, sprinkle salt and pepper, then pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Perfect for Any Time
These little sticks work everywhere. Sure, they're great for parties, but I'll have them for a quick lunch with some greens too. They're just right for picnics or tucked into kids' lunchboxes. You can take them anywhere since they're such a handy size.
Keeping Them Fresh
I store my sticks in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days. To get them crispy again, I throw them in the oven at 175°C for about 5-7 minutes. Don't use the microwave unless you want soggy pastry instead of that nice crunch.
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Tasty Twists
I like mixing things up when I'm in the mood. Sometimes I swap ham for smoked turkey or cooked bacon. Adding a dab of whole grain mustard gives them an extra kick. And for cheese, I switch between mozzarella and parmesan when I want something different.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make them ahead of time?
- You can prepare them a few hours early and keep them in the fridge. Brush with egg just before baking for the best results.
- → What type of cheese works best?
- Cheddar melts nicely, but gruyere or emmental works too. Avoid cheese that's too wet—it might ruin the pastry.
- → How do I get them extra crispy?
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 200°C. Brush generously with beaten egg, and work with chilled puff pastry.
- → What's the best way to store them?
- Keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispness.
- → Can I freeze them?
- Yes, freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen and add 5 extra minutes.