Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crispy Seasoned Butter Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture, ensure that the eggroll wrappers do not dry out during the assembly process. Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp paper towel while working on one stick at a time.

This keeps them pliable and prevents cracking along the seams when rolled. Additionally, make sure the melted butter is brushed over every exposed surface of the wrapper, including the ends and the underside, to guarantee an even, golden crunch all the way around.

If a stronger flavor profile is desired, customize the seasoned butter with your favorite spices or herbs. A pinch of onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile easily. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, brushing the interior of the wrapper with a touch of hot sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter provides a subtle kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham beautifully.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno Ham Sticks: Add a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno inside the wrapper along with the ham and cheese for a spicy kick.
• Turkey and Swiss Sticks: Substitute the deli ham with smoked turkey breast and use Swiss cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for a classic flavor twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked assembled sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until the wrapper is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Store any leftover baked sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve their crispy texture, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture that may accumulate as they cool.

Avoid stacking the sticks directly on top of each other while they are still warm, as the trapped steam will soften the wrappers. It is best to let them cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to storage.

These sticks can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator or freezer before baking. To prepare them in advance, roll the sticks completely but do not brush them with the seasoned butter.

Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to twenty-four hours. Alternatively, freeze them on the tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve these warm, crispy sticks immediately after baking alongside a variety of dipping sauces to complement the savory flavors. A classic marinara sauce provides a bright, acidic contrast to the rich cheese and ham, while honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy pairing that highlights the smoky notes of the ham. For a creamier option, a side of garlic aioli or ranch dressing makes an excellent accompaniment that appeals to crowds of all ages.

Arrange the sticks on a dark platter or wooden board to make the golden-brown color pop visually. Stack them in a rustic pyramid or log-cabin style to showcase their crispy texture.

They make an excellent standalone appetizer for parties, but can also be paired with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a complete, satisfying lunch. Encourage guests to pull them apart with their hands to experience the impressive cheese pull firsthand.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks with Crispy Seasoned Butter Crust

Prep 15 minCook 15 minRest 2 minTotal 32 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 eggroll wrappers
• 8 slices deli ham
• 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and seasoning blend. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the butter, then set it aside for brushing later.
2. Lay one eggroll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner pointing toward you. Place a slice of deli ham in the center, then place a mozzarella string cheese stick on top of the ham. Fold the bottom corner over the cheese, fold in the side corners tightly, and roll upward. Moisten the top corner with a dab of water to seal the edge securely.
3. Place the assembled ham and cheese sticks seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a pastry brush to coat the top, sides, and ends of each stick generously with the prepared seasoned butter, ensuring an even coating.
4. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for twelve to fifteen minutes, turning the sticks over halfway through the baking time, until the wrappers are crispy, deeply golden brown, and sizzling.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cooked ham and cheese sticks rest on the baking sheet for two minutes to allow the hot cheese to set slightly before handling. Serve hot to experience the ultimate crispy texture and steaming cheese pull.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

24 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.