One afternoon, my kitchen smelled like a little Italian deli had moved in. I had a block of mozzarella, a pack of honey ham, and a half-used pile of eggroll wrappers staring back at me from the fridge. The kids were circling like hungry hawks, my husband was “just checking” if the snacks were ready, and I needed something quick that could hold them over until dinner.

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That’s when I remembered a recipe idea I’d seen floating around online, but instead of deep frying, I decided to bake them—less mess, fewer calories, and no oil splatter on my shirt.

The first batch came out of the oven golden and crisp, with the smell of warm garlic and toasted wrapper filling the air. The cheese inside was perfectly gooey, stretching in long, satisfying strings as we bit in. My youngest declared them “the best thing ever” and my husband nodded while eating his third one—always the ultimate approval in our house.

These Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks look fancy enough to impress guests but are simple enough to whip up between loads of laundry. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and a hit with all ages. And honestly, once you try them, I’m willing to bet they’ll become a staple in your house, too.

Short Description

Golden, crispy eggroll-wrapped ham and mozzarella sticks baked to perfection with a light garlic seasoning—perfect for snacking, parties, or a quick family-friendly meal.

Key Ingredients

12 eggroll wrappers (7 inches each)
12 slices honey ham (thinly sliced)
12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
Olive oil (for brushing)
Garlic salt (to taste)

Tools Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Pastry brush (for olive oil)
Small bowl (for olive oil brushing)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Place an eggroll wrapper in front of you in a diamond shape. Lay one slice of ham across the center, then set a mozzarella stick in the middle of the ham.

Step 3: Fold and Roll
Fold in the left and right sides of the wrapper over the cheese, then roll from the bottom up, sealing the stick tightly into an eggroll shape. Place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Season and Oil
Lightly brush each roll with olive oil using your pastry brush. Sprinkle garlic salt over the top for flavor.

Step 5: Bake the First Side
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Check at the 12-minute mark since oven temperatures can vary.

Step 6: Flip and Finish
Remove the baking sheet, turn each stick over, and return to the oven for another 4–5 minutes until evenly browned and crisp.

Step 7: Serve
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—marinara, ranch, or even honey mustard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: That golden wrapper crunch meets the melty, gooey mozzarella center.

Healthier Twist: Baking instead of frying means less oil but still big flavor.

Kid-Approved: Perfect for picky eaters and after-school snacks.

Quick to Make: Just 20 minutes from fridge to table.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overstuffing the Wrapper: This can cause the cheese to burst out during baking.
Solution: Stick to one slice of ham and one mozzarella stick per wrapper.

Skipping the Oil Brushing: Without oil, wrappers can dry out.
Solution: Always brush lightly with olive oil for that golden finish.

Not Flipping Midway: The bottom side can stay pale.
Solution: Flip after 12–15 minutes for even crispness.

Baking Too Long: Cheese may harden instead of staying melty.
Solution: Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

Loose Rolling: This can cause gaps and leaks.
Solution: Roll tightly, tucking in the sides firmly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

As a Snack: Serve with marinara or garlic aioli for dipping.

For Lunch: Pair with a crisp green salad or vegetable soup.

Party Platter: Serve with a variety of dips—spicy ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Game Day Spread: Add to a snack board with wings, chips, and veggies.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Wrap each stick in parchment and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For best texture, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in an oven at 350°F for 6–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the wrappers soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of eggroll wrappers?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less crispy.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use different cheese?
Yes—cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone work well for different flavors.

4. Can I air fry instead of bake?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway.

5. Why did my cheese leak out?
The wrapper might not have been sealed tightly or had small tears. Roll carefully and avoid overstuffing.

Tips & Tricks

Warm the mozzarella sticks slightly before rolling for a more even melt.

For extra flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning on top before baking.

Use a damp cloth to keep eggroll wrappers from drying out while working.

Double the batch for parties, they disappear fast.

Add a thin smear of Dijon mustard inside the wrapper for a tangy kick.

Recipe Variations

Turkey & Swiss: Swap ham for smoked turkey and mozzarella for Swiss cheese. Bake as directed.

Spicy Pepperoni: Use pepperoni slices instead of ham and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before rolling.

Veggie Lover’s: Add thin strips of roasted red pepper and spinach along with the cheese for a lighter option.

BBQ Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, then wrap with mozzarella.

Breakfast Style: Wrap scrambled eggs, ham, and cheddar cheese for a morning treat

Final Thoughts

These Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are the kind of recipe that fits right into busy family life—minimal prep, easy cleanup, and maximum satisfaction. I love that I can make them ahead for parties, or toss them together for a last-minute snack that still feels special. The combination of salty ham, gooey cheese, and crispy wrapper is comforting but still light enough to enjoy without guilt.

They’re also incredibly versatile, so I can change up the filling depending on what’s in the fridge. It’s one of those recipes I know will stick around for years, passed between friends, saved in family cookbooks, and shared at countless get-togethers.

If you’re looking for a recipe that works as hard as you do—whether it’s for game night, school lunches, or an after-dinner nibble—these sticks deliver every time. And fair warning: you might want to make extra, because they have a funny way of disappearing before they even hit the table.

Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks