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#### **Step 5: Brush and Bake**
1. **Brush with olive oil**: For an extra **golden and crispy finish**, lightly brush the top of each puff pastry stick with **olive oil**. This is optional, but it helps with browning and adds flavor.
2. **Bake in the oven**: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about **12-15 minutes** or until the puff pastry is **golden brown** and the cheese is **melted**. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Once the puff pastry sticks are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a snack or appetizer, and watch them disappear quickly!
### Why This Recipe Works
– **Puff pastry**: The star ingredient here is the puff pastry. Its **buttery, flaky layers** are the perfect base for the savory filling inside. When baked, it turns into a light, crispy snack that’s irresistible.
– **Ham and cheese combo**: The salty **ham** and the **melty cheese** are a classic flavor pairing that works perfectly with the texture of the puff pastry. Together, they create a rich, savory treat that’s hard to beat.
– **Quick and easy**: With only **4 ingredients**, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up in a short amount of time. It’s great for when you need a tasty treat with minimal effort.
### Tips and Variations
– **Use different cheeses**: Try different types of cheese such as **Swiss**, **Gruyère**, or **Parmesan** for unique flavor twists.
– **Add herbs**: For extra flavor, sprinkle some **dried oregano**, **garlic powder**, or **fresh thyme** on the cheese before rolling up the pastry.
– **Try different meats**: Switch the **ham** for **turkey**, **salami**, or even **prosciutto** for different savory variations.
– **Dipping sauce**: Serve these puff pastry sticks with a **side of dipping sauce**, like **mustard**, **ketchup**, or a **spicy aioli** for an added flavor boost.
### Healthier Twist
While this recipe is incredibly indulgent, if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, you can use a **whole wheat puff pastry** and opt for a **low-fat cheese** or use **turkey ham** for a leaner version. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and deliciousness, so feel free to indulge every now and then!
### Conclusion
These **Puff Pastry Sticks with Ham and Cheese** are an easy, flavorful snack that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With just **4 ingredients**, you can create a **crispy, cheesy delight** that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick snack for yourself. The best part is that they are incredibly **customizable** to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for something simple and delicious, these puff pastry sticks are sure to impress. Try them out and enjoy the crispy, melty goodness today!
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