These beef, ham, and cheese sticks are a fast, savory snack. They combine smoky beef sticks, thin ham, and melty cheddar or mozzarella for a salty, satisfying bite. They come together in minutes, smell savory and warm if you choose to heat them, and look bright with a golden cheese edge or cool and neat when served cold.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 5 minutes if warming or baking)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 (about 8–10 sticks)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (one stick):
- Calories per serving: 200 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Why Make This Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
These sticks are quick to make and crowd-pleasing. They offer salty, savory flavors and a mix of textures: chewy beef, tender ham, and creamy cheese. They work for game day snacks, school lunches, party platters, or a fast protein-rich bite between meals. You can serve them cold or warm them briefly to make the cheese soft and the ham fragrant.
How to Make Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
Making these sticks is simple. Cut the cheese into strips, lay a beef stick and cheese on a ham slice, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick. No special skills or equipment are needed. If you want, warm them for a minute so the cheese softens and the aroma becomes richer.
Ingredients:
- Beef sticks (8)
- Sliced ham (8 slices, thin)
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), cut into strips
- Toothpicks
- Optional: mustard or dipping sauce
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Cut the cheese into small strips about the length of the beef sticks. Lay out the ham slices on a clean work surface. If you prefer warm sticks, preheat a skillet over low heat or a small oven to 300°F (150°C) for a quick warm-up.
Step 2: Mixing
Place a beef stick near one edge of a ham slice. Lay a cheese strip alongside the beef stick. Use descriptive action: position, align, and prepare each roll before you start rolling to keep assembly quick.
Step 3: Cooking
Roll the ham around the beef and cheese, keeping it tight so the cheese and beef stay inside. No cooking is required for this recipe, but you can warm the rolled sticks for 1–2 minutes in a skillet or 5 minutes in a preheated 300°F oven to melt the cheese slightly and crisp the ham edges.
Step 4: Finishing
Secure each roll with a toothpick. Arrange on a platter and serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. If warmed, let them cool for a minute so they hold their shape.
How to Serve Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
Serve them warm or cold. For parties, place them on a platter with small bowls of mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli. For lunches, pack a few with raw veggies or crackers. They pair well with pickles, olives, and fresh fruit for contrast. A sprig of parsley adds color.
You might also enjoy pairing them with similar savory bites like beef bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls for a varied snack table.
How to Store Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Short term: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Long term: These are not ideal for freezing once assembled (cheese texture changes). Freeze individual components (cheese strips or ham) separately if needed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Use thin ham slices for easy rolling. Thick slices can be hard to roll tightly.
- Cut cheese slightly shorter than the ham so edges don’t poke out.
- If your beef sticks are very dry, warm them briefly before rolling to make them more pliable.
- For firmer rolls, chill 10 minutes before serving.
- If you want lower sodium, choose low-sodium ham and cheese and smaller beef sticks.
- Use a small dab of cream cheese inside to help bind the filling if the cheese slips out.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy: Add a thin spread of sriracha or pepper jelly before rolling.
- Melty baked: Brush rolls with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 6–8 minutes until ham edges crisp.
- Herb & garlic: Mix minced garlic and chopped parsley into softened cream cheese and spread on the ham first.
- Veggie boost: Add a thin strip of roasted red pepper or cucumber for crunch.
- Breakfast twist: Add a thin egg omelet strip or spinach for a morning version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use deli turkey instead of ham?
A: Yes. Turkey works well and gives a milder flavor. Choose thin slices for easy rolling.
Q: How long do they keep in the fridge?
A: Stored airtight, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Consume sooner for best texture.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Assemble up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate. If you plan to serve warm, reheat briefly before guests arrive.
Q: What cheese is best?
A: Cheddar and mozzarella both work. Cheddar adds sharpness; mozzarella gives a mild, melty texture.
Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes, but remove toothpicks before giving to small children to avoid choking hazards.
Q: Can I grill or pan-sear them?
A: Yes. Pan-sear briefly on low heat to warm and crisp the ham. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Q: Do I need toothpicks?
A: Toothpicks help keep the roll intact. You can also use a small strip of chive or a folding technique if avoiding toothpicks.
Conclusion
These Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks make snack time simple and tasty. They are fast to assemble, portable, and adaptable for many tastes. If you like handheld breakfast or snack options, you might also enjoy the ready-made Ham Egg & Cheese Stick for a similar flavor profile on the go. Try this recipe today — it’s quick, comforting, and easy to customize.
Print
Beef Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These beef, ham, and cheese sticks are a fast, savory snack combining smoky beef sticks, thin ham, and melty cheese for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 8 beef sticks
- 8 slices of thin ham
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
- Toothpicks
- Optional: mustard or dipping sauce
Instructions
- Cut the cheese into small strips about the length of the beef sticks. Lay out the ham slices.
- Place a beef stick near one edge of a ham slice and lay a cheese strip alongside it.
- Roll the ham around the beef and cheese tightly. Optionally, warm in a skillet or oven for a minute to melt the cheese.
- Secure each roll with a toothpick and serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
These sticks are great for game day snacks, school lunches, or party platters. Serve them cold or warm for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
