Making these Ham and Cheese Sticks is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious snacks ready in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting up your baking sheet and preheating the oven right away ensures you’re ready to go once the ham and cheese sticks are assembled.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Gently unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If using two separate sheets, work with one at a time to prevent them from drying out. Lightly rolling out the puff pastry can help to even it out and make it slightly larger, but be careful not to overwork it, as this can affect its flakiness.
3. Optional Mustard Layer (Flavor Boost): If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a thin, even layer over the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet. Don’t use too much, just a light coating is sufficient to add a subtle tang. The mustard adds a delightful complexity that pairs perfectly with the ham and cheese.
4. Layer Ham and Cheese: Arrange half of the thinly sliced ham evenly over one half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the ham. Make sure to distribute the ham and cheese uniformly for consistent flavor in every bite.
5. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the other half of the puff pastry over the ham and cheese, creating a sealed rectangle. Gently press down the edges to seal them, using your fingers or a fork. Properly sealing the edges prevents the filling from leaking out during baking and helps create those beautiful flaky layers.
6. Cut into Sticks: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the filled puff pastry rectangle into strips, about 1 inch wide. You can make them longer or shorter depending on your preference. For even baking, try to make the sticks as uniform in size as possible.
7. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. The egg wash is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color and appealing shine.
8. Brush with Egg Wash and Season: Brush the top of each ham and cheese stick with the egg wash. Then, generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top of each stick. Make sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully transfer the prepared ham and cheese sticks to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the ham and cheese sticks cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Cooling slightly allows the cheese to set a bit and makes them easier to handle. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.