
These incredibly simple but irresistible ham and cheese sticks combine buttery crescent dough, savory ham, and melty cheese into the perfect handheld treat. A special seasoned butter glaze takes them from good to absolutely mouthwatering.
The first time I made these for my kids' after-school snack, they disappeared so quickly I had to make a second batch for dinner. Now they're our go-to for everything from game day gatherings to quick lunches.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Crescent dough: Keep cold until ready to use for best results
- Deli ham: Thinly sliced works best for rolling
- Cheese sticks: Full-fat melts most smoothly
- Butter: Real butter creates the best glaze
- Seasonings: Fresh ingredients make the glaze sing
Step-by-Step Assembly
- Prepare Your Space
- Layout all ingredients before starting
- Keep dough chilled until needed
- Have baking sheet ready
- Preheat oven fully

- Roll with Care
- Work with one sheet at a time
- Cut dough precisely for even cooking
- Place ham and cheese at slight angle
- Roll tightly to prevent gaps
- Perfect the Glaze
- Melt butter completely but don't overheat
- Mix seasonings thoroughly
- Brush generously over rolls
- Don't forget the sides
My family loves experimenting with different combinations - pepper jack cheese with turkey is a current favorite. The possibilities are endless once you master the basic technique.
Serving Ideas
Create a dipping station with various sauces. I always include honey mustard and ranch, but marinara sauce is great too.
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Brush with glaze just before baking.

After countless batches of these ham and cheese sticks, I've learned that the key to perfection lies in rolling them tightly and watching the oven carefully during the last few minutes. The reward is golden-brown, flaky perfection that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- You can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate, then brush with butter mixture just before baking.
- → What kind of cheese works best?
- String cheese or cheddar sticks work well. Avoid soft cheeses that might melt too quickly.
- → Can I freeze these?
- Yes, freeze before baking. Add 5-7 minutes to bake time when cooking from frozen.
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
- Make sure to seal all edges well and don't overfill with cheese.
- → Can I use different meat?
- Turkey, salami, or other deli meats work great as alternatives to ham.