Thursday evenings in our house are always a little loud. My son drops his soccer bag by the door, my daughter is halfway through telling me about a science project, and my husband is already peeking into the fridge to see what I have planned. After a full day at the office juggling paperwork and meetings, I step into the kitchen, tie on my apron, and let the noise fade into a familiar rhythm of chopping boards and preheating ovens.
A few weeks ago, we had one of those evenings where everyone was hungry right now. Not in twenty minutes. Not after homework. Right now. I glanced at a pack of eggroll wrappers I had picked up for another recipe, a bundle of string cheese meant for lunchboxes, and a stack of honey ham from the deli. It was not a holiday, not a party, just a regular weekday that needed a little spark. So I started rolling.
By the time the oven timer rang, the house smelled like warm bread and toasted garlic. The kids hovered near the counter, arguing over dipping sauces, and my husband reached for one before I could even plate them. That simple tray of Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks turned an ordinary night into a tiny celebration. Now they are part of our rotation, especially when I want something practical, budget friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Short Description
Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are crispy oven baked rolls with honey ham and melty mozzarella, brushed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic salt. A lighter, family friendly twist on a classic appetizer.
Key Ingredients
For the sticks
- 12 eggroll wrappers, fresh and flexible
- 12 thin slices honey ham, about 6 ounces total
- 12 mozzarella sticks or string cheese, whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Optional for serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Tools Needed
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Make sure the parchment lies flat so the sticks bake evenly.
Step 2: Set Up Your Work Surface
Place one eggroll wrapper on a clean work surface with one corner facing you so it looks like a diamond. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Lay one slice of honey ham across the center of the wrapper, aligning it horizontally. If the slice is large, fold it once to fit neatly. Place one mozzarella stick directly in the center on top of the ham.
Step 4: Roll into a Tight Cylinder
Fold the left and right corners of the wrapper snugly over the cheese and ham. Then take the bottom corner closest to you and roll it tightly away from your body, forming a neat cylinder.
Keep the roll firm but gentle to avoid tearing. If the wrapper feels dry and will not seal, lightly dab the top corner with water to help it stick.
Step 5: Arrange on the Tray
Place each rolled stick seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each stick so hot air can circulate for even browning.
Step 6: Brush with Olive Oil
Dip a pastry brush into the olive oil and lightly coat the tops and sides of each stick. You only need a thin layer. Too much oil can cause sogginess instead of crispness.
Step 7: Season
Sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the tops, focusing on the upper surface for maximum flavor impact.
Step 8: First Bake
Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch closely during the final 3 minutes. The wrappers should turn golden brown and feel slightly firm to the touch. If they are still pale, give them another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 9: Flip and Finish
Using tongs, carefully turn each stick over so the underside can crisp. Return to the oven for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. They should be evenly browned and crisp on all sides.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and prevents burns. Serve hot with marinara or ranch for dipping. If any cheese leaks out, it simply means they were extra full, which in my house is never a complaint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oven baked, not fried, so it is lighter but still crispy
Uses simple grocery store ingredients
Budget friendly and great for feeding a family of four
Easy enough for weeknights yet fun enough for game day
Customizable with different cheeses or deli meats
Kid approved and adult friendly
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Loose Wrapping
If the wrapper is not rolled tightly, cheese can leak out during baking.
Solution: Roll firmly and seal the final corner with a dab of water. Place seam side down on the tray.
Overcrowding the Pan
Sticks placed too close together will steam instead of crisp.
Solution: Leave at least 1 inch between each roll. Use two trays if needed.
Too Much Oil
Brushing on heavy oil can make the exterior greasy.
Solution: Apply a thin, even coat with a pastry brush instead of pouring oil directly.
Underbaking
Pulling them out too early leaves the wrapper soft and pale.
Solution: Wait until the surface is golden brown and crisp to the touch before flipping.
Cheese Exploding Out
High heat can cause rapid melting and bursting.
Solution: Keep oven at 350°F and avoid increasing temperature to speed things up.*
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer platter with marinara, ranch, and honey mustard.
Pair with a simple green salad for a light dinner.
Add to a family style snack board with sliced veggies and fruit.
Include them in a game night buffet alongside baked chicken wings.
Serve plated with tomato soup for a comforting meal combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent sogginess, let them cool completely before storing.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the wrapper. If you must, microwave briefly and then finish in the oven or air fryer for texture recovery.
These can be frozen before baking. Freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use low fat mozzarella?
You can, but whole milk mozzarella melts more smoothly and gives a creamier texture. Low fat versions may not stretch as well.
2. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sticks, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
3. What if my eggroll wrappers crack?
They may be too dry. Keep them covered with a damp towel while working and handle gently.
4. Can I use other deli meats?
Absolutely. Turkey or roast beef work well, but honey ham adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with mozzarella.
5. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Roll tightly, seal edges with water, and avoid overfilling. Keeping the oven at the correct temperature also helps.
Tips & Tricks
Warm the mozzarella slightly at room temperature for 5 minutes before rolling for easier shaping.
If you like extra crunch, brush lightly with olive oil on both sides before baking.
For added flavor, mix a pinch of Italian seasoning into the garlic salt.
Use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet for even more airflow and crispness.
Recipe Variations
Cheddar Swap: Replace mozzarella with sharp cheddar sticks and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes for a bolder, tangy flavor.
Pepper Jack Heat: Use pepper jack string cheese and add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika inside before rolling for a mild spicy kick.
Turkey and Swiss: Swap honey ham for thin sliced turkey and use Swiss cheese sticks for a lighter, nutty taste. Bake 14 to 16 minutes.
Spinach Boost: Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped, well dried spinach over the ham before rolling for a subtle veggie touch.
Air Fryer Version: Cook at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp and golden.
Final Thoughts
Some evenings call for elaborate meals, but most days in our house are about simple dishes that fit into real life. These Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks give me that balance between convenience and homemade comfort. After a day in uniform at the office, rolling these up feels almost therapeutic.
When I see my kids reaching for seconds and my husband sneaking one straight from the tray, I know the effort was worth it. It is not fancy food, just honest, reliable cooking that works for a busy family. If you are juggling work, school schedules, and everything in between, this recipe might just become your new secret weapon for turning ordinary nights into something a little brighter.
Crispy Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the sticks
- 12 eggroll wrappers fresh and flexible
- 12 thin slices honey ham about 6 ounces total
- 12 mozzarella sticks or string cheese whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Optional for serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place one eggroll wrapper in a diamond position. Keep others covered with a damp towel.
- Lay one slice honey ham across the center. Place one mozzarella stick on top.
- Fold in sides, then roll tightly into a cylinder. Seal edge with a little water if needed.
- Place seam side down on baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle evenly with garlic salt.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
- Flip and bake 4 to 5 more minutes until evenly crisp.
- Cool 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm with marinara or ranch.
