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

Tips for success

For an even crispier exterior, you can brush the rolls with butter twice — once before baking and once halfway through. This adds extra flavor and promotes a shatteringly crisp crust.

If you prefer a softer roll, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes and cover loosely with foil after baking to trap steam.

To make the cheese pull even more dramatic, use extra mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone. Serve the sticks immediately after baking, as the cheese will begin to set as it cools.

If you need to hold them, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 20 minutes, but note that the cheese pull will be less stretchy.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni: Swap the ham for pepperoni slices and add a few slices of pickled jalapeños inside each roll. Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor. Brush with garlic butter and bake as directed.
• Caprese Style: Replace the ham with fresh basil leaves and use fresh mozzarella pearls. Brush with garlic butter and bake. Serve with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a fresh, Italian-inspired twist.
• BBQ Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce instead of ham. Add a slice of cheddar cheese. Brush with butter and bake. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
• Veggie Delight: For a meatless version, use roasted red peppers, spinach, and a slice of provolone or mozzarella. Brush with herb butter and bake. These are perfect for vegetarians and still full of flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked, unbasted sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat baked sticks in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the rolls soggy.

Assemble the ham and cheese sticks up to 24 hours in advance, but do not brush with butter. Cover and refrigerate them.

When ready to bake, brush with the seasoned butter and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if the rolls are cold. This makes them perfect for entertaining.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham and cheese sticks warm, straight from the oven, on a platter. They are excellent as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch. The cheese pull is the star, so encourage guests to snap them apart and enjoy the gooey center.

For a more substantial meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. They also work well as a side dish for sandwiches or burgers. If desired, offer a side of marinara sauce or honey mustard for dipping — though they are delicious on their own.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks

Prep 15 minCook 15 minTotal 30 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 12 soft dinner rolls
• 12 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 sticks
• 12 slices thinly sliced deli ham
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, make a deep slit lengthwise through the top of each dinner roll, cutting almost to the bottom but not all the way through. Open each roll slightly and place one slice of ham and one stick of mozzarella inside the slit. Press the roll gently to close it around the filling.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Brush the mixture generously over the tops and sides of the filled rolls, making sure to coat the exposed edges of the rolls for even browning.
3. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling slightly at the seams. The rolls should be crisp on the outside but still soft inside.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the ham and cheese sticks cool for 2-3 minutes on the sheet. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't burn the mouth, while still being ultra-stretchy. Serve warm, pulling the sticks apart to show the melty cheese.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

17 g

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