It was a cozy, rainy Saturday afternoon, and I had just finished my shift at the office. The kind of day that makes you crave something warm, cheesy, and ridiculously comforting. My kids were sprawled on the living room floor, playing board games, and I wanted a snack that would get them off the couch and into the kitchen with me.
I peeked into the fridge, scanning for inspiration, and that’s when I spotted a pack of mozzarella sticks and some leftover honey ham. Suddenly, the idea clicked—I could turn these simple ingredients into golden, crispy, gooey bites that were fun to make and even better to eat.
I grabbed my egg roll wrappers and got to work, imagining the kids’ faces as the cheese pulled apart with each bite. The aroma of baked ham and melted mozzarella filling the kitchen was irresistible, and before I knew it, our rainy day was transformed into a little family feast. Not only did everyone enjoy the cheesy goodness, but the best part was how simple it was. I realized this could be a lifesaver for busy parents, anyone who loves a quick snack, or even a last-minute party appetizer.
Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfectly savory with just a hint of sweetness from the ham. I love that I can prepare them in under 30 minutes, and my family happily devours every single one.
Short Description
Crispy, golden-baked mozzarella sticks wrapped in tender honey ham and egg roll wrappers. Perfectly gooey, cheesy, and family-approved, these bites are ideal for snacks, game days, or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients
For the sticks:
- 12 egg roll wrappers (7-inch square)
- 12 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Optional for serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Garlic aioli
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy ketchup or sriracha mayo
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Clean work surface
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This step ensures that the rolls cook evenly and prevents them from sticking, giving you a perfectly crisp exterior.
Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape with the pointed corner facing you. Place one slice of honey ham across the center, then top it with a mozzarella stick.
Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center, then roll tightly from the bottom corner upward. Make sure to seal the edges to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking. Repeat this process for all 12 wrappers. For a tighter closure, dab a little water on the final edge before pressing it down.
Step 3: Brush and Season
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each roll with olive oil on the top and sides. Sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the rolls to enhance the flavor and help them develop a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip each roll carefully and bake for an additional 4–5 minutes so that all sides become evenly crisp. The finished sticks should have a crunchy, golden wrapper on the outside, slightly caramelized ham, and perfectly melted, gooey cheese on the inside.
Step 5: Serve and Dip
Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately while they are warm and melty. They are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a spicy ketchup for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey ham, savory mozzarella, and garlic seasoning create irresistible bites.
Quick and Easy: 30 minutes from start to finish with minimal cleanup.
Versatile: Perfect for family snacks, parties, or game-day treats.
Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat and simple enough for little helpers in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Cheese Leakage: If the rolls aren’t sealed tightly, cheese will ooze. Dab the final edge with water and press firmly.
Uneven Browning: Make sure to flip halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Overcrowding the Pan: Leave space between rolls to allow air circulation, ensuring crispiness.
Wrapper Tears: Handle wrappers gently; if one tears, patch it with a small dab of water and fold over.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or soup for a light meal.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or family movie nights.
Arrange on a platter with small bowls of marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make wrappers soggy.
Prepare rolls in advance, keep unbaked in the fridge, and bake just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sliced cheese instead of string cheese?
Yes, mozzarella slices work, but string cheese melts more evenly and is easier to assemble.
2. Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What if I don’t have garlic salt?
You can use regular salt plus a pinch of garlic powder for the same flavor boost.
4. Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap ham for roasted veggies, spinach, or a slice of tomato for a veggie version.
5. How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
Make sure to seal edges tightly, using a dab of water to secure the final fold. Don’t overstuff with cheese.
Tips & Tricks
Brush with oil generously to get a golden, crispy exterior.
Use a small pastry brush for even coverage.
Assemble on a clean, dry surface to prevent wrappers from sticking.
Flip halfway through baking for uniform browning.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Ham & Cheese: Add a few thin slices of jalapeño inside each roll before baking.
Herb & Garlic: Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning inside the wrapper for extra aroma.
Mini Appetizers: Cut egg roll wrappers in half to make smaller sticks, perfect for party platters.
Sweet & Savory: Spread a thin layer of honey mustard inside before adding the cheese and ham.
Final Thoughts
Making baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks on a rainy Saturday turned into a small kitchen adventure that brought the whole family together. The process was fun, simple, and surprisingly fast, and the result was golden, crispy rolls with gooey, melty cheese inside. My kids loved helping assemble them, and the aromas made our home feel cozy and inviting.
I appreciate how versatile this recipe is—you can customize the fillings, serve with a variety of dips, and even make them ahead of time. These sticks are perfect for casual family snacks or small gatherings, and everyone can enjoy them warm straight from the oven. Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying, they’re a little indulgence that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the sticks:
- 12 egg roll wrappers 7-inch square
- 12 slices honey ham thinly sliced
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Optional for serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Garlic aioli
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy ketchup or sriracha mayo
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape, place a slice of honey ham across the center, and top with a mozzarella stick.
- Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from the bottom, sealing the edges to prevent cheese from leaking. Repeat for all 12 wrappers, using a dab of water to secure the final edge if needed.
- Lightly brush each roll with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt for flavor and golden color.
- Bake the rolls for 12–15 minutes until the bottoms are golden, then flip and bake an additional 4–5 minutes until evenly crisp. The finished sticks should be crunchy on the outside with gooey, melted cheese inside.
- Serve immediately while warm with your favorite dips, such as marinara, ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.
