Baked Ham Mozzarella Sticks

Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are ideal when you crave something warm, cheesy, and crunchy without much effort. You get gooey mozzarella and savory ham wrapped in a golden shell and baked until everything melds into the perfect handheld snack. These disappear fast at my house whether for after school treat or party platter.

I finally tried these one winter afternoon when my kids were bored and hungry and now they ask for them every week. They taste like comfort but come together so easily I almost do not mind the requests.

Ingredients

• Eggroll wrappers: look for ones that are smooth and not dried out for the best wrapping experience
• Thinly sliced honey ham: adds a sweet savory backdrop and wraps easily I always choose meat from the deli counter for extra freshness
• Mozzarella sticks: purchase firm whole milk mozzarella for the best melt try to avoid low moisture types for ultimate gooeyness
• Olive oil: brushing gives that golden finish without frying I use a fruity extra virgin kind but regular works too
• Garlic salt: seasons with a punch so use a good quality blend and sprinkle lightly so it does not overpower the cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan:

Set your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup

Assemble Each Stick:

Lay an eggroll wrapper on your counter with a corner pointing toward you so it forms a diamond shape Place a slice of ham flat in the center then line up one mozzarella stick right in the middle of the ham lining up with the wrapper's point

Wrap for the Best Seal:

Fold the left and right corners in towards the center so the cheese is tucked in snugly Next roll from the bottom up just like a burrito encasing cheese and ham fully Place seam side down on the prepared pan so it stays closed

Brush and Season:

Take a pastry brush or even your fingers to dab olive oil over the tops and sides To finish sprinkle garlic salt lightly over each stick for that garlicky flavor

Bake for Melting Perfection:

Bake sticks for around twelve to fifteen minutes Watch for edges turning golden and melt just beginning to peek out Halfway through rotate each stick so they brown evenly Remove to a rack turn each stick then bake again for four to five more minutes watching for a crisp finish

Cool and Serve:

Let the sticks rest for five minutes so the cheese sets slightly Serve warm with a favorite sauce like marinara ranch or honey mustard and enjoy that stretch

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The mozzarella in this recipe is always the highlight for me I love that perfect cheese pull that comes after a piping hot bake It reminds me of family game nights when everyone tries to get the longest cheese string

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge They will stay crisp if you reheat them under the broiler or in a toaster oven just for a few minutes If you want to freeze go ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic then pop into a freezer bag You can bake straight from frozen by adding an extra few minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out ham for turkey roast beef or sliced pepperoni if you like You can also try smoked gouda or sharp cheddar in place of mozzarella for a new flavor twist For a vegetarian adjustment go with roasted veggies like bell pepper strips or caramelized onions

Serving Suggestions

These are crowd pleasers at parties alongside other finger foods Add a dipping bar with warm marinara garlic aioli or spicy mustard for variety They also shine as a lunchbox treat with a handful of grapes or some crunchy veggies

Cultural Gem

Baked mozzarella sticks have roots in Italian American cuisine inspired by fried cheese snacks in Italy The American twist brings in deli ham and an oven bake which is lighter but just as satisfying My family always made cheese snacks for holidays but loved putting our own spin with deli meat and different sauces

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You will want to keep these ingredients around because everyone loves this crispy cheesy treat and they re just about foolproof for cooks of every level

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?

Thinly sliced honey ham offers mild sweetness and wraps neatly around the mozzarella for balanced flavor.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, string cheese or provolone make good substitutes, but mozzarella melts best and gives a classic texture.

→ How do I prevent the wrappers from bursting?

Be sure to fold and roll tightly, sealing seams down on the baking sheet. Do not overfill each wrapper.

→ Is frying necessary for this preparation?

No, baking produces a crispy exterior with less oil, making for a lighter but still crunchy bite.

→ Which dipping sauces complement these sticks?

Classic marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli all pair well with the cheesy, savory flavor profile.