Last winter, during one of those quiet afternoons when the house feels too still, I decided to rummage through my pantry for inspiration. The wind outside rattled the old oak tree by the kitchen window, and I felt that familiar itch to bake something comforting but not overly fussy.
My eyes landed on a pack of eggroll wrappers that I had bought weeks earlier for a spring roll night that never happened. In the fridge, there sat a stack of honey ham slices and a lonely row of mozzarella sticks — the kind I usually keep for my grandkids when they visit.
It reminded me of the little snacks my mother used to make for my school lunches simple, hearty, and made with love. She didn’t have fancy recipes or exotic ingredients, just a knack for turning what we had into something special. I thought about how she always said, “Food should make you smile before you even take the first bite.” That day, I decided to roll up my sleeves and create something that would have made her proud.
The aroma that filled my kitchen as these baked ham and cheese sticks crisped up in the oven was irresistible. There’s a magic that happens when ham, mozzarella, and garlic salt meet a warm oven — the kind of magic that has neighbors stopping by “just to check in.” By the time I plated them up, I knew this was going to be a recipe worth keeping close, one I’d happily pass down just like my mother’s best kitchen secrets.
Short Description
Golden, crispy eggroll wrappers filled with honey ham and gooey mozzarella, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt for a simple yet irresistible baked snack.
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)
- Oven mitts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Place one eggroll wrapper in a diamond shape on a clean surface. Lay a slice of ham in the center, then position a mozzarella stick in the middle of the ham. Fold in the sides over the cheese, then roll tightly into an eggroll shape. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 3: Season and Prep for Baking
Brush each roll lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush. Sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the tops for that extra savory kick.
Step 4: Bake the First Round
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tops turn a light golden brown. Check a couple of minutes early, as ovens can vary.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking
Remove from the oven, flip each stick, and return for another 4–5 minutes until evenly browned and crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Snack Size: Easy to grab, dip, and devour.
Crispy Meets Gooey: The baked wrapper gives crunch while the cheese stays melty.
Quick to Make: From fridge to table in under 25 minutes.
Kid-Friendly: Loved by little ones and grown-ups alike.
Baked, Not Fried: Lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Wrapper Tears: If the wrappers are too dry, lightly dampen edges with water before rolling.
Soggy Bottoms: Use parchment paper and avoid overcrowding the pan to allow airflow.
Burnt Tops: Brush lightly with oil — too much will cause uneven browning.
Cheese Leakage: Roll tightly and ensure the ham fully covers the cheese.
Underseasoning: Don’t skip the garlic salt; it elevates the flavor dramatically.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Dipping Sauces: Marinara, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or honey mustard.
Party Platter: Serve alongside sliders, veggie sticks, and chips.
Light Lunch: Pair with a fresh green salad or tomato soup.
Movie Night: Add popcorn and fruit skewers for a complete spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Air Fryer Option: Heat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes for best texture.
Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake; freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely — cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone work well.
3. Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes, deep fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until golden, but they’ll be richer.
4. Do I need to use honey ham?
No, smoked turkey or roast beef can be delicious alternatives.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free eggroll wrappers if available; the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Tips & Tricks
Warm the mozzarella sticks to room temperature before assembling to ensure even melting.
For extra flavor, brush wrappers with a mix of olive oil and Italian seasoning.
Roll tightly for neat presentation and less cheese leakage.
Bake on the top rack for maximum crispness.
Make a double batch — these disappear quickly.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños inside with the cheese.
Italian Style: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the ham before rolling.
Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, ham, and cheddar for a morning treat.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap ham for roasted bell peppers and spinach.
BBQ Flavor: Replace garlic salt with BBQ seasoning and serve with BBQ sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s a quiet joy in making something so simple yet so satisfying. These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks carry that comforting balance of crispy and melty, a little like the comfort of a warm kitchen on a cold day.
I can already see myself making them again for the next family gathering, where they’ll vanish faster than I can refill the plate. Sharing food is sharing love, and this is one of those recipes that makes it easy to do both.
Baked Ham And Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
Print ThisIngredients
- 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
Step 1: Preheat
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2: Assemble
Place wrapper in diamond shape, add ham and mozzarella, fold sides, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on sheet.
Step 3: Season
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 5: Flip
Turn sticks over; bake 4–5 more minutes until crisp.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy warm with your favorite dip.
