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

Tips for success

To achieve the ultimate crunch, make sure the oven is fully preheated before putting the baking sheet inside.

A hot oven is crucial for rapidly crisping the exterior of the egg roll wrappers before the cheese has a chance to overheat, expand, and burst through the seams. If the oven is too cool, the wrappers will not crisp up properly and will remain soft.

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the inside of the egg roll wrappers with a thin layer of mustard before adding the ham and cheese.

This subtle addition cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds a wonderful tangy kick without making the wrappers soggy or preventing them from sealing tightly.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno: Add a few thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapenos inside the ham wrap for a spicy kick that cuts through the rich cheese.
• Swiss and Mustard: Swap the mozzarella for Swiss cheese and spread a thin layer of mustard on the wrapper before rolling.

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 assembled, unbaked sticks in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

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

Leftover baked sticks should be cooled completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before being stored. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture, which helps prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can easily assemble these ham and cheese sticks up to a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator before baking.

When you are ready to serve, simply brush them with water, sprinkle with the herbs, and bake as directed, adding one or two extra minutes to the baking time since they will be cold.

Serving ideas

Serve these crispy sticks hot, right after their brief cooling period, to enjoy the best texture and the most dramatic cheese pull. They make an excellent standalone snack, but they truly shine when paired with a variety of delicious dipping sauces.

Classic marinara sauce, creamy ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy chipotle mayo all complement the savory ham and melted cheese perfectly.

For a fun party platter, arrange the golden sticks on a dark serving board alongside bowls of different dipping sauces. You can also cut them in half diagonally to showcase the colorful layers of savory ham and melted white cheese inside, making them even more visually appealing for guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks

Prep 15 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 egg roll wrappers
• 8 slices deli ham
• 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese sticks from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
2. Lay one slice of deli ham flat on a clean work surface. Place one mozzarella cheese stick at one end of the ham slice, then roll the ham tightly around the cheese stick. Repeat this process for all eight cheese sticks and ham slices.
3. Place one egg roll wrapper on the work surface with a corner pointing toward you, forming a diamond shape. Position a ham-wrapped cheese stick horizontally in the center. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, fold the left and right side corners tightly inward, and roll upward toward the top corner. Lightly moisten the top corner with water to seal the edge securely.
4. Arrange the wrapped sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the rolls with water, then press the Italian seasoning onto the surface so the herbs adhere well before baking.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheet to ensure all sides get golden and crispy.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the hot ham and cheese sticks rest on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This short cooling period allows the melted cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing burns.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

780 mg

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