A few weekends ago, our grandkids came over for a “movie marathon night.” We had the living room all set—blankets piled high, popcorn bowls ready, and animated classics queued up. But just before the opening credits rolled, my youngest granddaughter asked, “Grandma, do you have something cheesy?”
Well, that was all the inspiration I needed. Instead of the usual nachos, I decided to make something fun, a little different, and delightfully melty, baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks.
The kitchen filled with that warm, comforting smell of melting cheese and toasting wrappers. My husband hovered around the oven like a curious cat, peeking in every few minutes. When I pulled out the tray, the golden rolls looked too good to resist—crispy edges, bubbling cheese, and a hint of garlic in the air. The first bite was pure joy: crunchy outside, soft and cheesy inside, with that smoky sweetness from the ham.
Everything bakes in the oven—no deep-frying, no grease. It’s an easy snack to whip up for movie nights, family gatherings, or even just when you’re craving something warm and comforting on a quiet afternoon.
Short Description
Crispy on the outside, gooey inside, these Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect oven-baked snack—light, cheesy, and irresistibly golden.
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
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl for sealing water
- Tongs or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Sticks
Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface like a diamond. Place a slice of ham across the center and a mozzarella stick on top. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly from the bottom up. Seal the edge with a dab of water. Repeat for all 12 rolls.
Pro Tip: A tight roll helps keep the cheese from escaping while baking.
Step 3: Brush and Season
Brush each roll lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic salt over the tops for flavor and a lovely golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden on one side. Flip and bake another 4–5 minutes until crisp all over. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the ham slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Serve and Dip
Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. These taste best straight from the oven when the cheese stretches beautifully with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Cheesy: The baked wrappers turn golden and crunchy while the mozzarella melts perfectly inside.
Healthier Alternative: All the flavor of fried snacks—without the oil.
Kid-Approved: Simple ingredients, mild flavors, and fun to dip.
Quick and Easy: Only 25 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile Snack: Works as an appetizer, movie-night treat, or lunchbox surprise.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Loose Rolling: If you don’t roll tightly, cheese will leak out during baking. Solution: Seal the edges firmly with water and press gently as you roll.
Overbaking: Leaving them in too long can dry out the wrappers. Solution: Keep an eye on them after 12 minutes and remove once golden.
Skipping the Flip: Baking on one side only can make them unevenly crispy. Solution: Flip halfway for an even crunch.
Too Much Oil: Brushing on too much can cause sogginess. Solution: Use a light hand—just a thin coat for shine and crispness.
Crowded Pan: Overlapping rolls can steam instead of bake. Solution: Leave space between each roll for airflow.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as: A warm appetizer, party finger food, or after-school snack.
Best Pairings:
With a fresh salad for a light lunch.
Alongside tomato basil soup for a cozy meal.
With a glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade.
Presentation Tip: Stack them on a platter with a trio of dips in small bowls—it makes for an inviting centerpiece.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Let cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap each roll individually in parchment paper and freeze up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Warm in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the wrappers.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a twist in flavor.
2. Do I have to use ham?
Not at all. Turkey, roast beef, or even veggie deli slices work beautifully.
3. Can these be made ahead?
Yes, assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Brush with oil and bake just before serving.
4. What if I don’t have egg roll wrappers?
You can use thin tortillas, though the texture will be softer. Reduce baking time slightly.
5. Are they good cold?
They’re best warm, but if packed for lunch, they’re still tasty at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
For extra crunch, brush the rolls with a mix of olive oil and a teaspoon of melted butter.
Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for more flavor.
If baking for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
To make them kid-friendly, let children help assemble and roll their own sticks.
Always bake on parchment for even browning and easy cleanup.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Ham & Jalapeño Sticks: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeño before rolling for a fiery kick.
Breakfast Style: Swap mozzarella for scrambled eggs and a bit of cheddar, then bake as usual.
Mediterranean Twist: Use turkey slices, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive tapenade before rolling.
Pizza Flavor: Add a spoonful of pizza sauce and a sprinkle of mini pepperoni for a fun pizza roll version.
Vegetarian Version: Replace ham with sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers and use your favorite melty cheese.
Final Thoughts
That movie night ended with everyone—kids and grownups alike—asking for seconds. I smiled as I watched my grandkids giggling with strings of cheese stretching from their bites. Sometimes, the simplest dishes turn into the most memorable moments. These baked mozzarella sticks remind me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or fussy; it just has to make people happy.
I’ve made them a few more times since, each batch slightly different, sometimes with turkey, sometimes spiced up for the adults, but always shared around our family table. They’re the kind of snack that invites conversation, laughter, and little hands reaching for “just one more.” And isn’t that what good food is all about?
Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper flat, add a slice of ham and a mozzarella stick across the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
- Seal the edge with a dab of water and repeat with the remaining rolls.
- Brush each with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden, then flip and bake another 4–5 minutes until crisp and bubbly.
- Serve warm with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.
