Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To ensure the best possible results, always keep your egg roll wrappers covered with a damp paper towel or clean kitchen towel while you work. These wrappers dry out remarkably fast when exposed to the air, making them brittle and prone to cracking as you roll them.

If a wrapper cracks, cheese will inevitably leak out during baking. Working quickly and keeping the unused wrappers covered maintains their elasticity, allowing you to achieve a tight, seamless seal around the ham and cheese filling.

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can lightly sprinkle the rolls with garlic powder, onion powder, or dried Italian seasoning just before they go into the oven. The natural moisture of the wrapper can help the seasonings adhere, creating a savory herb crust.

If you prefer an even richer flavor, you can lightly brush the rolls with a touch of melted butter, which adds a rich, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory ham and melted mozzarella.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno: Add a few thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeno inside the ham wrap next to the mozzarella stick for a spicy kick.
• Pesto Mozzarella: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto onto the ham slice before wrapping the cheese stick to infuse a rich herbal flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze assembled, unbaked rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen.

Reheat

Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes until the wrapper is recrisped and the cheese is melted.

Any leftover baked rolls should be allowed to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before being stored. Place the cooled rolls in a single layer inside an airtight container, using parchment paper to separate layers if stacking them. Keep the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will remain safe to eat for up to three to four days, though the wrappers will naturally lose some of their crispness over time.

These cheese sticks can easily be assembled ahead of time, which is perfect for stress-free entertaining. Assemble the rolls completely up to the point of baking. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding one or two minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

These crispy rolls are best served warm, immediately after their brief three-minute rest, when the cheese pull is at its absolute peak. Present them stacked neatly on a platter lined with fresh parchment paper to maintain their rustic, oven-fresh appeal.

They make a fantastic standalone snack or appetizer for game days, casual family gatherings, or holiday parties. Because they are compact and easy to hold, they serve as excellent finger food that guests can enjoy while socializing.

While these sticks are incredibly flavorful on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of classic dipping sauces. Consider serving them alongside a warm marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist, or a sweet honey mustard dip to complement the savory ham.

A creamy ranch dressing or a zesty barbecue sauce also makes a delicious accompaniment, allowing your guests to customize their dipping experience and enhancing the overall enjoyment of this simple yet satisfying dish.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Prep 15 minCook 12 minRest 3 minTotal 30 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 8 egg roll wrappers
• 8 slices deli sliced ham
• 8 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese rolls from sticking during baking.
2. Lay a slice of deli ham flat on a clean cutting board. Place one low-moisture mozzarella cheese stick at one end of the ham slice. Roll the ham tightly around the cheese stick so that the cheese is fully encased, ensuring the ends are tucked or covered as much as possible.
3. Place one egg roll wrapper on the work surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Position the ham-wrapped cheese stick horizontally in the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the left and right side corners tightly. Roll up tightly to seal the top corner.
4. Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least one inch of space between each roll to ensure even heat circulation.
5. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the wrappers are beautifully golden brown, crispy, and starting to blister, and the cheese inside is hot and melted.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the hot rolls rest on the pan for 3 minutes. This brief rest allows the melted mozzarella cheese to set slightly so it does not completely run out when bitten into. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

190

Protein

11.5 g

Carbohydrates

14 g

Fat

9.5 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

580 mg

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