Warm & Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Crispy on the outside and gooey with melted mozzarella cheese inside, these baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks deliver a mouthwatering twist on a classic appetizer.

Packed with savory ham and stretchy mozzarella, each bite promises pure comfort food delight.

The golden-brown coating ensures a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the molten cheese interior.

Healthier than traditional deep-fried versions, this recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to perfection, these mozzarella sticks make an irresistible snack or party favorite.

Prepare to impress with this simple yet delectable crowd-pleaser that everyone will devour in minutes.

What You’ll Need For Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

• Baking Sheet: Essential for freezing and baking the mozzarella sticks.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Shallow Bowls (3): Perfect for creating the breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for the breading.
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Mister: Ensures a crispy golden exterior when baking.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for handling and flipping the sticks during baking.

Steps To Make Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks At Home

• Ham Wrapping

Gently wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of ham, creating a delicious protein-packed blanket that will seal in cheesy goodness.

• Breading Adventure

Create a magical coating station with flour, whisked eggs, and a zesty blend of breadcrumbs seasoned with Parmesan and aromatic spices. This layers will transform simple cheese sticks into a crunchy delight.

• Coating Magic

Roll each ham-wrapped stick through the flour, then bathe it in egg, and finally tumble it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press softly to ensure every inch gets a perfect crispy jacket.

• Freezer Chill

Park your coated rolls in the freezer for a quick 30-minute cool down. This secret step ensures the cheese stays tucked inside during baking and creates an incredible crunch.

• Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to a toasty 400F. Lightly mist the rolls with olive oil to help them achieve a gorgeous golden exterior.

• Baking Finale

Slide the rolls into the oven and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Flip them midway to guarantee even crispiness on all sides.

• Serving Excitement

Let the rolls rest briefly, then serve with a vibrant marinara sauce for dipping. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation!

Tasty Additions For Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

• Pro Freezing Technique: Freezing the ham and cheese sticks before baking is crucial for preventing cheese leakage. Pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to help them maintain their shape and keep the melted mozzarella inside during cooking.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version. These substitutes provide a crispy exterior while keeping the carbohydrate content low for those following a strict diet.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding smoked paprika, dried basil, or red pepper flakes to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic ham and cheese combination.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Many supermarkets now offer excellent alternatives that maintain the crispy texture of the original recipe.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: Move beyond marinara sauce and try alternative dips like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy ranch, or herbed garlic aioli. Each sauce can transform the flavor experience and add an exciting twist to the classic appetizer.

Ways To Serve Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks To Guests

• Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange the baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara sauce, ranch, and spicy aioli for guests to choose their favorite dipping companion.
• Movie Night Snack Attack: Cut the sticks into bite-sized pieces for easier munching during film marathons, perfect for sharing with friends while watching action or comedy movies.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these crispy sticks alongside other finger foods like chicken wings and nachos for a delicious sports viewing spread that keeps everyone satisfied during exciting matches.
• Kiddie Lunch Sidekick: Pack these sticks in lunchboxes with a small container of marinara sauce, making them a fun and protein-packed addition to school or picnic meals that children will love.

How To Store Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Fresh

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store unused ham and cheese mozzarella sticks in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each stick individually in plastic wrap to maintain crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Before final baking, arrange uncooked breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze individually for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. These frozen snacks can last up to 2 months and cook directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming leftover sticks in a preheated oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave heating, which can make breading soggy and cheese runny. A toaster oven works wonderfully for small batches.
• Smart Prep Tip: Assemble entire batch of ham and cheese sticks ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake. Ideal for meal prep, parties, or unexpected guests wanting a quick, delicious appetizer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients In Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

• Mozzarella Sticks: Creamy and stretchy cheese that creates the gooey interior of the appetizer.
• Ham Slices: Adds a savory layer of flavor and helps hold the cheese together during cooking.

• Flour: Creates a dry surface for egg and breadcrumbs to stick.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breading adhere perfectly.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides an extra crispy, light exterior with delightful golden texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor to the breading.
• Garlic Powder: Brings depth and aromatic punch to the coating.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses traditional Mediterranean herb notes into the crispy layer.

• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden, crisp exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic dipping companion that complements the cheesy sticks.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup during preparation.

Crispy Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Mozzarella ham and cheese sticks bring crispy comfort to classic appetizers. Melted cheese and savory ham wrapped in golden breading create irresistible bites you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 12 slices deli ham (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Cooking spray or olive oil mist

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Wrap each mozzarella stick completely with ham, ensuring full coverage and neat alignment on a clean work surface.
2. Breading Setup: Create three distinct stations – first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coating Process: Dredge each ham-wrapped stick through flour, then egg wash, and finally roll in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to secure an even, comprehensive coating.
4. Freezing Stage: Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to stabilize breading and prevent cheese leakage during baking.
5. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), ensuring consistent and intense heat for optimal crispiness.
6. Baking Technique: Spritz chilled sticks with cooking spray, arrange on baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
7. Serving Suggestion: Allow sticks to rest briefly after baking, then serve immediately with marinara sauce or preferred dipping accompaniment for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

• Freeze Before Baking: Chilling the ham and cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking and helps create a crispy, stable breading that holds together perfectly during baking.
• Breading Technique Matters: Press breadcrumb mixture gently but firmly onto the ham-wrapped sticks to ensure an even, complete coating that will crisp up beautifully and create a crunchy exterior when baked.
• Oil Spray Trick: Lightly misting the sticks with cooking spray or olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden-brown color and enhances the overall crispiness of the breading, giving restaurant-style results at home.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg