Creating Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks is easy if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s slightly larger.

3. Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.

4. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced ham, shredded cheese, and Dijon mustard, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble Pastry Sticks: Take one strip of pastry and place a tablespoon of the ham and cheese mixture onto one end of the strip. Fold the strip over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.

6. Repeat Process: Continue this process with the remaining pastry strips and filling until everything is used.

7. Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry stick for a golden finish.

8. Bake: Place the assembled sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.

9. Cool: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

10. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation, if desired.

These straightforward steps ensure that your Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Sticks turn out perfectly delicious every time.