Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crispy Seasoned Butter Crust

Craving a warm, savory snack that delivers an epic cheese pull with every single bite? These baked ham and cheese sticks combine savory deli ham and melty mozzarella string cheese wrapped inside a shatteringly crisp eggroll shell. Brushed with a rich, seasoned butter before baking, they offer all the satisfaction of a deep-fried appetizer without the mess or hassle of hot oil.

This recipe reimagines the classic ham and cheese sandwich into a fun, finger-friendly appetizer that is perfect for game days, after-school snacks, or casual party platters. By utilizing store-bought eggroll wrappers, you get an incredibly crispy exterior that bakes up beautifully in the oven.

Inside, the deli ham wraps snugly around a stick of mozzarella cheese, keeping the cheese contained as it melts into a gooey, stretchy center. It is a simple, satisfying treat that takes under thirty minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The secret to the success of this recipe lies in the structural integrity of eggroll wrappers. Unlike puff pastry or phyllo dough, which can become soggy or puff up too much, eggroll wrappers bake into a thin, ultra-crispy shell that holds its shape perfectly.

When wrapped tightly around the ham and cheese, they create a secure barrier that prevents the cheese from leaking out onto the baking sheet, ensuring that every bit of melted goodness stays inside the stick until the first bite.

Additionally, brushing the exterior with seasoned melted butter instead of cooking spray introduces both moisture and rich flavor. The fat in the butter helps conduct heat evenly across the surface of the wrapper, promoting a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch. Infusing the butter with a savory seasoning blend adds a delicious aroma that complements the smoky ham and mild mozzarella perfectly.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, select high-quality deli ham that is sliced thin but not shaved. Ultra-thin or shaved ham can tear easily during assembly, while thick slices may prevent the eggroll wrapper from rolling tightly.

Standard square-cut deli ham works beautifully as it aligns perfectly with the shape of the eggroll wrapper. For the cheese, low-moisture mozzarella string cheese is the ideal choice because it melts smoothly while maintaining enough structure to prevent premature leaking during the baking process.

Standard kitchen equipment is all that is required for this recipe. A rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat ensures that the sticks do not stick and makes cleanup effortless.

A pastry brush is essential for evenly distributing the seasoned butter over the entire surface of each rolled stick. If eggroll wrappers are unavailable, wonton wrappers can be used as a smaller alternative, though the rolling technique will need to be adjusted accordingly.

• mozzarella string cheese sticks: provolone or Monterey Jack cheese sticks cut to size
• deli ham: thinly sliced turkey breast or roast beef

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush