Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Warm mozzarella oozing from a crispy golden shell with layers of savory ham is the snack I never knew my family needed—until I put these baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks on the table. When pulling together quick appetizers for friends or a simple lunch to please everyone, these sticks always come to the rescue. No need for deep frying or fancy ingredients—just crave-worthy comfort baked up in half an hour.

The first time I baked these was for a last-minute movie night and, after seeing how quickly they vanished, I knew I’d found my signature crowd-pleaser. Preparing a tray takes less than fifteen minutes and the result beats any frozen snack aisle find.

Ingredients

• Eggroll wrappers: For crispiness that oven baking can achieve without frying and look for fresh soft wrappers that are not dry or cracking
• Honey ham: Brings just the right sweet and savory note choose deli slices that are freshly cut
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: For that classic stretchy melt buy whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess
• Olive oil: Brushes on a beautiful color and flavor use extra virgin for the best taste and a light drizzle
• Garlic salt: Puts the finishing touch with an aromatic boost check the ingredient list for real garlic and not just flavoring

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup effortless and helps the sticks bake evenly.

Assemble the First Wrapper:

Lay one eggroll wrapper in front of you so it forms a diamond. Center a slice of ham on top and place one mozzarella stick directly onto the ham. This stacking technique keeps the cheese from leaking during baking.

Roll the Sticks:

Fold each side point of the wrapper over the cheese snugly. Starting from the bottom tip, roll tightly upwards until you reach the top. Place seam side down on your lined pan to secure the roll and avoid unwrapping while baking.

Add Oil and Season:

With a pastry brush, coat each stick lightly in olive oil. Sprinkle over garlic salt to taste. The oil will turn the wrapper crisp and golden while the seasoning adds flavor.

First Bake:

Put the sticks in the oven for around twelve to fifteen minutes. At the halfway mark, gently flip each stick to brown all sides evenly. This rotation guarantees all-over crunch.

Second Bake for Extra Color:

Take out the pan, turn each stick over again, and return to the oven for another four to five minutes. This extra time builds a nutty color and a firm, crispy texture.

Cool and Serve:

Let the sticks cool briefly so the cheese is gooey but not scalding. Slice and serve with your choice of dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.

If I had to choose one ingredient that makes these so addictive, it would be the mozzarella cheese. My family teases that we always need extra because my oldest son will eat them before dinner even hits the table. With a gooey middle and crisp exterior, these sticks create the kind of food memories that last.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Once cooled, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for maximum crunch. If you plan to serve later, assemble and store unbaked sticks in the fridge for a day so you can bake them fresh on demand. These sticks do not microwave as well since the wrapper can lose its crispness but they regain crunch with a quick trip to the oven.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Try smoked turkey slices instead of ham for a lighter twist or swap in your favorite melty cheese like provolone or pepper jack for a different flavor. For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper or try oregano for an Italian note. You can also use whole wheat wrappers for a nutty flavor and extra fiber.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Serve hot with a warm marinara or pizza sauce for classic Italian flavor. These also pair well with honey mustard or garlic aioli for something different. At parties, I arrange them on a platter with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes for a colorful finger food spread.

The Story Behind This Recipe

When I was a teenager, my mom would make homemade mozzarella sticks for birthday parties. I started making this baked twist because it felt healthier and easier to batch. Now every time we bake a tray, it reminds me of those fun evenings and friendly competitions to see who grabbed the cheesiest stick.

Adapting for Every Season

In summer, serve sticks with a colorful side salad. Around the holidays, tuck in thin apple slices with ham for a festive bite. For fall gatherings, add a dusting of smoked paprika before baking for a cozy flavor.

Once you try these, you might never go back to deep fried sticks. For my family, these baked mozzarella rolls have become a comfort food tradition—and I hope they bring your table the same simple joy.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese work well for a different flavor and melt.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?

Make sure to seal the eggroll wrappers tightly and bake with the seam side down to help contain the cheese.

→ Are these sticks suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Prepare and freeze unbaked sticks, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

→ What dipping sauces go well with these sticks?

Try marinara sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for delicious pairing options.

→ Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sticks earlier and refrigerate until ready to bake for a quick snack or party appetizer.