Last Christmas Eve, our small family gathered around the kitchen table, the kids buzzing with excitement as they helped me prepare snacks for the evening. My daughter, now a teenager, was eager to learn some quick, tasty recipes she could whip up herself one day. That’s when I decided to make these baked ham and cheese sticks—something simple but satisfying, perfect for little hands to help assemble.
My husband, always a fan of anything cheesy, watched with that familiar grin while my son, who usually prefers sweet treats, surprisingly kept reaching for another. As the sticks baked, the smell of garlic and melting mozzarella filled the house, mixing with the chatter and laughter.
I remember my elderly neighbor once telling me how she used to make similar rolls for her grandkids, and how such dishes always bring everyone closer. This recipe fits that feeling perfectly—easy enough to prepare on a lazy weekend or during a busy weeknight, yet special enough to turn ordinary moments into a little celebration.
Short Description
Baked ham and cheese sticks are crispy, golden eggroll wrappers filled with savory honey ham and melted mozzarella. They bake quickly, making for a delicious snack, appetizer, or light meal that’s family-friendly and easy to prepare.
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 oil)
- Oven
- Sharp knife (optional for cutting mozzarella sticks)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Lay one eggroll wrapper on a flat surface, rotated so it looks like a diamond. Place a slice of honey ham in the center, then set one mozzarella stick right in the middle of the ham.
Fold the left and right sides of the wrapper over the cheese, then roll from the bottom up tightly, sealing the edges so it forms a neat eggroll shape. Place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Brush
Lightly brush each wrapped stick with olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Sprinkle garlic salt over each stick for that savory, aromatic boost.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, checking at around 12 minutes to avoid over-browning. The sticks should turn a beautiful golden brown and feel crisp to the touch.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking
Carefully flip each stick over using a spatula, then bake for another 4-5 minutes to brown the other side evenly.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool just a minute or two. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Kid-Approved: The melty cheese and savory ham combo is a family favorite.
Crispy Yet Gooey: Eggroll wrappers bake to a perfect crunch while the mozzarella melts inside.
Versatile Snack: Great for after-school snacks, game nights, or easy dinners.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch well.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Wrapper Tears When Rolling:
Solution: Make sure your wrappers aren’t dry or cracked. If they are, lightly brush edges with water to help seal. Roll gently but firmly without forcing.
Cheese Oozing Out During Baking:
Solution: Fold the wrapper edges tightly and ensure ham fully covers the cheese before rolling. Using string cheese helps because it melts evenly and holds shape.
Sticks Not Crispy Enough:
Solution: Brush olive oil evenly and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Oven temperatures vary—adjust time slightly if needed. Use parchment paper to promote even cooking.
Burnt Before Fully Cooked:
Solution: Check oven temperature with a thermometer if possible. Lower the heat by 10-15 degrees and bake longer if needed.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these sticks as a finger food at parties or game days alongside a selection of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a honey mustard blend.
Pair them with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a more balanced meal.
They work wonderfully as a light lunch with a cup of soup, like tomato basil or creamy potato.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid stacking tightly to keep crispiness.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make wrappers soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Provolone or cheddar string cheese can work, but mozzarella melts best for gooey texture.
2. Can I freeze these sticks?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
3. What if I don’t have eggroll wrappers?
Phyllo dough or even puff pastry can be alternatives but will change texture. Eggroll wrappers give the best crunch.
4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use low-sodium ham and part-skim mozzarella. You can also brush with olive oil spray to reduce oil amount.
5. Can I add veggies inside?
Yes! Try adding a thin strip of roasted red pepper or spinach leaves for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips & Tricks
Use a clean, damp cloth to cover wrappers you’re not working with to keep them from drying out.
Rolling tightly but gently keeps the sticks neat and prevents cheese from leaking.
Try brushing with a little melted butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
Pair garlic salt with a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs for extra flavor depth.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Ham and Cheese Sticks
Swap the honey ham for peppered or spicy ham. Add a small slice of jalapeño under the mozzarella before rolling. Follow the same baking instructions for a kick of heat.
Veggie Lovers Version
Add a thin layer of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers along with the ham and cheese. Sauté the veggies with a bit of garlic and olive oil before assembling.
Herbed Cheese Upgrade
Mix shredded mozzarella with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley before placing it inside the wrapper. Use shredded cheese instead of sticks for more herb distribution.
Final Thoughts
After that Christmas night, I realized how these simple sticks did more than fill bellies, they sparked memories and conversations, bridging generations. Cooking isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about creating moments, small traditions that linger long after the last bite.
These baked ham and cheese sticks are now a quiet favorite in our house, a go-to for when we want warmth and comfort without fuss. I hope they bring the same joy and ease to your kitchen, turning your everyday meals into moments worth savoring.
Baked Ham And Cheese Sticks
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place an eggroll wrapper diamond-side up. Add a slice of honey ham and a mozzarella stick in the center.
- Fold sides over the cheese and roll tightly from the bottom. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat.
- Brush each stick lightly with olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp, checking at 12 minutes.
- Flip sticks and bake another 4-5 minutes until evenly browned.
- Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
