Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy, Cheesy, and Healthier Indulgence!
Get ready for an irresistible twist on a classic! These Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks combine the gooey, stretchy perfection of mozzarella sticks with savory ham, all wrapped in a wonderfully crispy egg roll wrapper. Baked (or air-fried!) to golden perfection, they offer all the deliciousness you crave without the deep-fried guilt. Perfect as an appetizer, a fun snack, or a quick meal, they’re a guaranteed hit for parties and family nights alike!
Why These Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Are a Must-Make
- Crispy & Cheesy: Achieve that satisfying crunch with a melty, savory interior.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked (or air-fried) instead of deep-fried, reducing oil.
- Easy to Make: Simple assembly makes them a breeze to prepare.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.
- Kid-Friendly: A universally loved combination of ham and cheese.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to craft your delicious Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks:
Ingredients:
- 12 eggroll wrappers (7-inch size)
- 12 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese, about 1 ounce each)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing/spraying)
- Optional: Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions: Roll, Bake, and Enjoy!
1. Prepare for Assembly:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Prepare your egg wash by whisking the large egg with a splash of water in a small bowl.
2. Assemble the Sticks:
Lay one eggroll wrapper flat on a clean surface, with a corner pointing towards you (like a diamond). Place one slice of honey ham diagonally across the center of the wrapper. Place one mozzarella cheese stick on top of the ham. Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the cheese stick and ham, tucking it in tightly. Fold the left and right corners inward over the center, creating an envelope shape. Brush the top remaining corner with a little bit of the egg wash. Tightly roll the egg roll up from the bottom towards the top corner, sealing it firmly. Ensure the ends are tucked in to prevent cheese from oozing out. Repeat with the remaining wrappers, ham, and cheese sticks.
3. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Place the assembled ham and cheese mozzarella sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching. Lightly brush or spray the tops of the egg rolls with olive oil or cooking spray. Bake for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Air Fryer Method (Optional): If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush/spray the egg rolls with oil. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll need to work in batches). Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the hot Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks from the oven or air fryer. Let them cool for just 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Tips for Perfect Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
- Don’t Overfill: Stick to one cheese stick and one ham slice per wrapper for easy rolling and sealing.
- Seal Tightly: This is crucial! Ensure all seams are firmly sealed, especially the ends, to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking. The egg wash acts as a glue.
- Chill the Wrappers: Keep unused eggroll wrappers covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.
- Even Browning: Flipping halfway through baking (or air frying) ensures even crispiness and browning on all sides.
- Cheese Choice: While mozzarella sticks are traditional, you could try provolone sticks or even a strip of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the unbaked sticks ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy these fun, flavorful, and healthier Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks—they’re sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit!