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

Tips for success

For an even crispier exterior, you can lightly mist the rolls with cooking spray halfway through the baking time. This helps to encourage a more even browning and a more pronounced crunch, which is especially effective if your oven has a convection setting that circulates air efficiently.

If you find the cheese is melting too quickly, ensure your mozzarella sticks are kept in the refrigerator until the very last second before assembly.

Using cold cheese provides a slightly longer window for the wrapper to crisp up before the heat penetrates the center, leading to a better overall texture.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni: Add a thin slice of pepperoni inside with the mozzarella for a savory, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
• Herbed Cheese: Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the cheese before rolling to add an aromatic, herb-forward flavor to the final snack.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended for freezing as the texture of the wrapper will degrade.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until crisp.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container to maintain their structural integrity.

They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days, though they are best enjoyed fresh for the optimal crunch.

You can assemble the rolls up to four hours in advance. Store them on a parchment-lined tray covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

When ready, simply transfer them to the oven and add an extra minute or two to the total baking time to compensate for the cold start.

Serving ideas

These rolls are best served warm on a rustic wooden board or a simple serving platter. Their visual appeal lies in their golden, blistered exterior, so keep the presentation simple. They pair well with a side of marinara sauce or a light garlic aioli if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.

Since these are finger foods, ensure you provide plenty of napkins for your guests. They are perfect for casual entertaining where guests can easily pick them up and enjoy them while mingling.

The combination of ham and mozzarella is universally appealing, making them a reliable choice for any host or hostess.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Baked Ham and Mozzarella Sticks

Prep 15 minCook 15 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 8 sheets eggroll wrappers
• 8 slices honey ham
• 8 sticks mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Lay an eggroll wrapper flat on your work surface. Place one slice of honey ham in the center, followed by a stick of mozzarella cheese. Fold the sides of the wrapper inward and roll tightly to seal the filling completely inside. Repeat this process until all eight rolls are prepared.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the prepared rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the exterior is deeply golden and blistered, and the cheese is fully melted inside.
3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the rolls to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to handle while still maintaining that signature stretchy pull when broken open.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

180

Protein

9 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

1 g

Sodium

450 mg

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