Baked Ham Cheese Sticks

Baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks are the answer when you crave classic mozzarella sticks but want something just a little more wholesome and easy to feed your family on a busy night. These are baked instead of fried which makes clean-up a breeze and you get a crispy golden crust with melty cheese inside plus a touch of salty ham that takes them up a notch in flavor.

The first time I made a batch my family stood around the oven waiting for the tray to cool just enough to dive in Everybody always asks for seconds

Ingredients

• Eggroll wrappers: These make for a super crispy exterior in the oven Look for wrappers that are fresh and still soft so they roll easily
• Honey ham: Thinly sliced deli ham keeps things savory and slightly sweet Choose a high quality ham for a better bite
• Mozzarella string cheese: String cheese melts beautifully and is the perfect size for these rolls Check for whole milk mozzarella if you want the most pull
• Olive oil: Just a brush on top helps everything brown and crisp Don’t skip this step
• Garlic salt: Adds a kick of flavor to the outside Look for one with actual garlic bits for more flavor impact

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees while you gather the ingredients and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Assemble the Sticks:

Place an eggroll wrapper in front of you like a diamond Take a slice of ham and lay it flat in the center then top with one mozzarella stick Pull the corner edges of the wrapper towards the center so they cover the cheese then tightly roll up into a log shape Place each roll seam side down on your baking tray

Add Oil and Seasoning:

Using a pastry brush lightly coat the top of each mozzarella stick with olive oil Then sprinkle garlic salt evenly over all the tops You want every stick to have a bit of glisten and flavor

Bake to Golden Crispy:

Put the tray in the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes The edges should be turning golden but watch closely in the last two minutes since every oven browns differently

Turn and Finish Baking:

Carefully flip each stick over so the bottoms get a chance to crisp up too Return to the oven for four to five more minutes until all sides are crisp and the cheese is just peeking out Serve right away with your favorite dip

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If you ask me the best part is watching the cheese stretch as you pull one apart My kids always beg to help roll them and it is our go-to snack for movie night Everyone has their favorite dip so I put out a few options on the side

Storage Tips

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge They stay fresh for up to three days To reheat pop them back in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees just until warmed through That way they stay crisp and do not get soggy like in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have honey ham swap in smoked turkey roast beef or even thin slices of cooked chicken For a spicier twist try pepper jack cheese sticks instead of mozzarella You can also use low fat cheese sticks for a lighter version though the melt may not be quite as gooey

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sticks with classic marinara sauce ranch dressing or honey mustard They make a fun addition to a lunchbox or as a party finger food Try cutting each stick in half for bite-sized appetizers

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A Little History

Mozzarella sticks have their roots in Italian American cuisine but this ham and cheese twist feels right at home at any get together I first tried rolling mozzarella in wrappers as a way to mimic deli counter snack trays but baking them made all the difference in making them healthier and crispier

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ham works best for these sticks?

Thinly sliced honey ham gives a sweet-savory flavor and wraps easily around the cheese, making for neat, tasty sticks.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

While mozzarella is classic for its melt, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack can also create delicious, melty results.

→ Are store-bought eggroll wrappers required?

Eggroll wrappers are recommended for the best structure and crispness. Spring roll wrappers may be too thin for this method.

→ How do I keep the sticks from opening while baking?

Roll the wrappers tightly, fold the sides in firmly, and place sticks seam-side down on the baking sheet to secure them.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these?

Marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli all pair well with the ham and mozzarella flavors.

→ Can these be assembled ahead of time?

You can prepare the sticks a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.