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

Tips for success

To achieve an even crispier texture, consider spraying the rolls with a light mist of cooking spray halfway through the baking time when flipping them.

This secondary application of oil helps reactivate the crisping process on the side that was facing down. Always ensure the seam side starts facing down on the baking sheet, as the weight of the roll helps keep the seal closed during the initial expansion.

If working with kids or serving a crowd, these rolls can easily be scaled up. Just be sure not to crowd the baking sheet.

Leaving at least an inch of space between each roll allows the hot oven air to circulate freely around all sides, which is crucial for achieving that signature deep-fried crunch on the entire exterior rather than steaming the dough.

Variations

• Spicy Pepper Jack: Swap the mozzarella cheese sticks for pepper jack cheese and add a few pickled jalapeño slices inside each roll for a spicy kick.
• Swiss and Dijon: Substitute Swiss cheese for the mozzarella and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the ham slice before rolling.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, 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 7 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Store any leftover baked rolls in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other while warm, as the steam will soften the crispy shells. Let them cool completely to room temperature before sealing the container.

These ham and cheese sticks can be assembled up to a day in advance. Roll them completely, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, simply brush with oil, season with herbs, and bake as directed, adding one or two minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Serving ideas

Serve these warm, crispy sticks immediately after baking to enjoy the most dramatic cheese pull. Pile them high on a wooden serving board or a colorful platter, letting the golden-brown wrappers and herb seasoning take center stage.

They make a fantastic standalone snack, but they also pair wonderfully with classic dipping sauces like honey mustard, marinara, or a creamy ranch dressing.

For a complete meal, pair these savory sticks with a fresh green salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The acidity of a vinaigrette or the brightness of tomato soup cuts through the rich, cheesy interior beautifully. Cut them in half on a diagonal for an elegant presentation that showcases the colorful layers of pink ham and melted white cheese inside.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Prep 15 minCook 15 minTotal 30 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 12 eggroll wrappers
• 12 slices deli ham
• 12 sticks mozzarella cheese sticks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Place the eggroll wrappers on a clean, dry work surface with one corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape.
2. Place one slice of deli ham in the center of each wrapper, then top with one mozzarella cheese stick.
3. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides tightly, and roll upward, sealing the top corner with a splash of water.
4. Place the rolled sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each stick.
5. Brush the top and sides of each roll evenly with vegetable oil, then sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the exterior is golden and crispy.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

220

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

10 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

620 mg

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