There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of ham and melted mozzarella, especially when it’s wrapped in a crispy golden coating. These Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks transform simple ingredients into an addictive snack that disappears almost as quickly as you can make them. Perfect for game days, after-school treats, or as an appetizer when friends drop by unexpectedly.
I first discovered this recipe when looking for creative ways to use leftover holiday ham, and it’s since become a family favorite. The contrast between the gooey cheese center, savory ham, and crunchy exterior creates a perfect bite every time. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why I Love These
These cheese sticks deliver the perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, melty interior that makes them utterly irresistible.
They come together in under an hour with ingredients I usually have on hand, making them my go-to solution for last-minute entertaining.
I make these whenever we have friends over for game day or movie night because they’re easy to eat while socializing and always get rave reviews.
Ingredients
- 12 eggroll wrappers (7-inch size)
- 12 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- Olive oil for brushing
- Garlic salt to taste
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place an eggroll wrapper in a diamond shape on your work surface. Put one slice of ham in the center, then place a mozzarella stick on top of the ham.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the cheese, then roll the entire wrapper tightly to create an eggroll shape. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Lightly brush each wrapped stick with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt to your taste preference.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes since ovens vary. Look for golden brown color on the tops.
- Remove from oven and carefully turn each stick over. Return to oven for 4-5 more minutes until browned on the bottom side.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while the cheese is still melty.
Nutrition
These Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks offer a good balance of protein from both the ham and cheese, making them more substantial than typical fried appetizers. They’re relatively high in calories due to the frying process, but provide satisfying protein that can help curb hunger between meals.
Each stick contains calcium from the mozzarella and a moderate amount of sodium from the ham and cheese. To create a lighter version, you can bake these in a 425°F oven for 8-10 minutes instead of frying, which reduces the fat content significantly while maintaining the crispy exterior.
These sticks contain gluten (in the flour and breadcrumbs) and dairy (mozzarella), making them unsuitable for those with these allergies. For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Unfortunately, the mozzarella is essential to the recipe, so it’s difficult to make a dairy-free version that maintains the signature stretchy cheese pull.
Tips & Variations
- Prepare these up to the breading stage a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator, then fry just before serving for a quick appetizer solution.
- Try wrapping the cheese in prosciutto instead of ham for a more upscale flavor profile, or add a thin slice of jalapeño inside for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—the results are just as crispy and delicious.
Ways To Serve Them
- Create an appetizer board with these cheese sticks alongside marinara, ranch, and honey mustard dipping sauces
- Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch
- Add to a soup and sandwich combo meal as the “sandwich” component
- Include as part of a game day spread with buffalo wings, veggie sticks, and potato skins
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Allow leftover cheese sticks to cool completely before storing in an airtight container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture. They’ll keep for up to 3 days but will lose their crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked breaded sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated cheese sticks in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy and potentially cause the cheese to explode.
Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Ingredients
- 12 eggroll wrappers (7-inch size)
- 12 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- Olive oil for brushing
- Garlic salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place an eggroll wrapper in a diamond shape on your work surface. Put one slice of ham in the center, then place a mozzarella stick on top of the ham.
- Fold the sides of the wrapper over the cheese, then roll the entire wrapper tightly to create an eggroll shape. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Lightly brush each wrapped stick with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt to your taste preference.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking after 10 minutes since ovens vary. Look for golden brown color on the tops.
- Remove from oven and carefully turn each stick over. Return to oven for 4-5 more minutes until browned on the bottom side.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while the cheese is still melty.