On a rainy Friday evening not long ago, the power flickered and went out in my neighborhood. With no TV or internet to distract us, my granddaughter and I found ourselves huddled around the kitchen table, the soft glow of candlelight filling the room.
She asked if we could make something simple and comforting, something we could share while playing Uno and waiting for the lights to return. That’s when I remembered these ham and cheese sticks I had tucked away in a recipe folder—easy to pull together, warm, and just the right kind of cozy.
While the storm rumbled outside, we rolled those golden eggroll wrappers around slices of sweet honey ham and mozzarella sticks, brushing each bundle with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic salt. The kitchen soon smelled like a little café tucked away from the world.
As we baked them, the anticipation grew, and when the oven timer finally rang, the crispy, melty treats were a hit. They were perfect for that quiet evening—comforting, satisfying, and fun to make together.
Short Description
Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks are crispy, golden snacks featuring melted mozzarella and thin slices of honey ham wrapped in delicate eggroll wrappers, brushed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic salt. They bake quickly and serve as a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal.
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
- Oven thermometer (optional, but helpful)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the wrappers to bake evenly and become perfectly crisp without burning.
Step 2: Prepare your baking sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 3: Assemble the sticks
Lay one eggroll wrapper flat in a diamond shape. Place a slice of honey ham in the center, then place one mozzarella stick on top of the ham.
Fold the left and right corners over the cheese, then roll from the bottom up, sealing the edges to create a neat roll. Place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Brush and season
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each roll with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic salt evenly over the top to taste. The oil helps the wrapper crisp up, while the garlic salt adds a subtle savory flavor.
Step 5: Bake the sticks
Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye on them after the 10-minute mark to avoid over-browning. The wrappers should turn a light golden brown.
Step 6: Flip and finish baking
Remove the sheet from the oven carefully, turn each stick over, and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes until the other side is evenly browned and crispy.
Step 7: Serve warm
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, honey mustard, or a creamy ranch.
Troubleshooting Tip:
If the rolls seem soggy or the wrappers don’t crisp, make sure the oven is fully preheated, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Each stick needs space for even airflow.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Comfort Food Classic: Warm, gooey mozzarella and savory ham wrapped in crispy golden layers.
Customizable: Easily swap the ham or cheese for your favorite deli meats and cheeses.
Perfect Snack or Light Meal: Great for casual snacking or a party appetizer.
Healthier Twist: Baking instead of frying cuts down on oil and calories.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Wrapper tearing during rolling:
Solution: Keep eggroll wrappers covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out and tearing. Roll gently without forcing the wrapper.
Cheese leaking out while baking:
Solution: Make sure to fold and seal the wrapper tightly. You can moisten the edges with a little water to help them stick better.
Uneven browning or sogginess:
Solution: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Space sticks evenly and flip halfway through baking for crisp, uniform browning.
Burning before cheese melts:
Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure true 350°F; ovens vary. If browning too fast, lower temperature to 325°F and bake slightly longer.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or ranch for dipping.
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a fuller meal.
Perfect for game day snacks, casual family dinners, or buffet-style parties.
Great alongside a light white wine or sparkling lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the wrapper.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the wrapper.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just make sure it melts well.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or freeze unbaked for longer storage.
3. What if I don’t have eggroll wrappers?
Phyllo dough or wonton wrappers can work but may require adjusted baking times.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Seal edges with a little water before rolling and avoid overfilling with cheese.
5. Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, replace ham with roasted vegetables or spinach and use mozzarella or a vegetarian cheese alternative.
Tips & Tricks
Brush olive oil evenly but lightly to avoid soggy bottoms.
Use a silicone pastry brush for better control.
Work quickly when handling wrappers to prevent drying.
Let sticks rest a few minutes before serving for easier handling.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a thin layer of spicy mustard or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper inside before rolling.
Herb Infusion: Mix garlic salt with dried oregano or Italian herbs before sprinkling.
Ham & Pineapple: Add a small piece of pineapple inside for a Hawaiian-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Version: Use roasted bell peppers and mushrooms in place of ham, with mozzarella or feta.
Cheesy Jalapeño: Add sliced jalapeños with mozzarella for heat and extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Those ham and cheese sticks stayed warm on the table while the rain pattered against the windows and the candlelight flickered gently. Sharing that simple snack with my granddaughter, laughing over our silly Uno games, made the evening feel special in its own quiet way.
I hope this recipe brings you a similar kind of warmth, whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying a peaceful moment to yourself. It’s a small tradition waiting to be made.
Baked Ham And Cheese 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 the oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C) for even, crisp baking.
Step 2: Prepare the baking sheet
Line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the sticks
Place an eggroll wrapper in a diamond shape. Add a slice of ham, then a mozzarella stick. Fold sides over cheese and roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the sheet.
Step 4: Brush and season
Lightly brush rolls with olive oil and sprinkle garlic salt.
Step 5: Bake the sticks
Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden, watching after 10 minutes.
Step 6: Flip and finish baking
Turn sticks over and bake another 4–5 minutes until crisp and browned.
Step 7: Serve warm
Cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Troubleshooting:
If soggy or not crisp, ensure oven is fully preheated and avoid crowding the pan.
