The craving for something cheesy hit me on a quiet afternoon when the fridge looked half-empty, yet somehow, I still had ham, cheese sticks, and egg roll wrappers left from a weekend gathering. Instead of reaching for takeout, I decided to get a little creative.

Within minutes, my kitchen turned into a mini snack bar mozzarella sticks wrapped in slices of sweet honey ham, tucked inside crisp wrappers, brushed with olive oil, and sprinkled with a hint of garlic salt. The smell that filled the oven was irresistible savory, buttery, and just a little smoky from the ham edges caramelizing.

When I bit into one, the cheese stretched like a perfect food commercial moment, gooey and golden, wrapped in a crackly shell that gave a satisfying crunch. These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks felt like the ultimate upgrade to a childhood favorite comfort food that’s still simple enough for busy days but elegant enough for sharing.

By the time they came out of the oven, I already had my dipping sauces lined up like trophies, ready for dunking and devouring.

Gooey Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks - PP384 Thumb Gooey Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Short Description

Gooey Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden rolls filled with melted mozzarella and savory honey ham. Baked instead of fried, they make a lighter yet equally satisfying snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Key Ingredients

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
Small bowl of water (for sealing edges)
Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with a pointed corner facing you. Add one slice of ham across the center, then place one mozzarella stick on top. Fold the side corners inward, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Seal the edge with a dab of water to keep it from unwrapping. Repeat for all wrappers.

Step 3: Brush and Season
Brush each roll with olive oil using a pastry brush. Sprinkle garlic salt on top for flavor and extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden on one side. Flip them and bake for another 4–5 minutes to brown evenly. The wrappers should be crisp, the cheese melted, and the ham slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Serve and Dip
Serve hot and gooey with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy snack with minimal cleanup

Baked for a lighter version of the classic fried mozzarella sticks

Perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and savory

Customizable with different cheeses or deli meats

Great for parties, lunches, or movie nights

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Wrappers bursting open during baking
Solution: Roll tightly and make sure to seal the edge with a little water. Loose rolls let cheese escape.

Mistake 2: Soggy bottoms
Solution: Use a wire rack or flip the sticks halfway through baking for even crispness.

Mistake 3: Cheese not melting completely
Solution: Let the cheese come to room temperature before wrapping; it melts more evenly.

Mistake 4: Uneven browning
Solution: Brush olive oil evenly over all sides to help them crisp uniformly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping

Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Pair with sparkling water or a chilled soda

Serve buffet-style with multiple dips for gatherings

Add to lunchboxes as a fun twist on ham and cheese sandwiches

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp again

Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess

Freeze before baking for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the cook time

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them up to a day before baking. Brush with oil just before baking.

2. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work great—each brings a unique flavor.

3. Can I air fry them instead?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crispiness.

4. How do I keep them from bursting open?
Seal edges well with water and roll tightly, leaving no air pockets.

5. What can I serve with these besides sauce?
A crisp side salad or roasted vegetables make a balanced meal.

Tips & Tricks

Chill the wrapped sticks for 10 minutes before baking to prevent cheese leakage.

Add a sprinkle of shredded parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

For an extra golden finish, mix a tiny bit of butter with the olive oil before brushing.

Cut the rolls in half for bite-sized appetizers.

Recipe Variations

Ham and Swiss Rolls: Replace mozzarella with Swiss cheese for a smoky flavor.

Turkey and Cheddar Sticks: Use turkey slices and cheddar for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sticks: Add a few slices of jalapeño inside before rolling for heat.

Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and ham—bake and serve with sriracha mayo.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the ham and fill with mozzarella, spinach, and sundried tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks bring together everything snack lovers adore crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. They’re simple yet indulgent, great for family nights or quick appetizers when guests drop by. The beauty lies in their versatility; you can tweak them to match your mood or what’s in your fridge.

The smell of ham crisping in the oven mixed with melting cheese feels like instant comfort. They come out golden, bubbly, and impossible to resist once they hit the table. You can bake a batch in minutes, and they’ll disappear even faster. A few dipping sauces on the side turn this humble snack into a fun, shareable treat that’s both casual and delicious.