Ham and Cheese Sticks are a simple and tasty snack that everyone can enjoy. They’re made with slices of savory ham wrapped around creamy cheese sticks, creating a perfect mix of salty and smooth flavors. The combination is easy to put together and always hits the spot whether as a quick bite or party appetizer.
I love making these because they take only minutes, and they never fail to be a crowd-pleaser. Sometimes I like to add a little mustard or a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra kick. They’re great to pack in lunchboxes or to serve with fresh veggies and crackers for a light snack time treat.
Whenever I bring these to gatherings, people always ask for the recipe. There’s something so comforting about the classic flavors of ham and cheese together that just feels right. I find it’s the kind of snack that makes everyone smile and keeps hands reaching for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Thinly sliced ham works best for wrapping the cheese easily. You can substitute with turkey or chicken slices for a lighter option or use gluten-free deli meats if needed.
Mozzarella sticks: String cheese is perfect as it melts nicely. For a different flavor, try cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks. Just pick a cheese that melts well and isn’t too soft.
Panko breadcrumbs: These create a wonderfully crunchy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work too, but panko gives the best texture.
Parmesan cheese and seasonings: Parmesan adds a nice salty punch to the crust. You can skip it or swap with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist. Garlic powder and Italian herbs bring extra flavor but can be adjusted to your taste.
How Do You Get Crispy, Melty Ham and Cheese Sticks Without Leakage?
The secret is wrapping and coating carefully to keep the cheese inside while frying crispy.
- Roll tightly: Wrap the cheese stick snugly with ham to minimize gaps where cheese can ooze out.
- Multiple coatings: Dredge the roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat once for a thicker crust to seal the cheese inside.
- Oil temperature: Keep the oil between 350°F-375°F. Too hot and the coating burns while cheese stays cold; too low and it absorbs oil and becomes greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd: Fry a few sticks at a time for even cooking and crispiness.
Following these tips will help you get golden, crunchy sticks with gooey cheese inside every time! Serve right away for best melty taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or frying pan – I prefer it because it heats evenly and makes frying safer and easier.
- Thermometer (or test breadcrumb) – keeps the oil at the right temperature so your sticks fry perfectly.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture; makes coating quick and neat.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps gently lower and remove the sticks from hot oil without splashing.
- Paper towels or a wire rack – for draining excess oil and keeping the sticks crispy once cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy or sharper flavor.
- Add chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumb mix for extra freshness.
- Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb coating for a smoky kick.
- Use turkey or chicken slices instead of ham for a leaner version or different taste.
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sticks:
- 8 slices of thinly sliced ham
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying & Serving:
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional dipping sauce: honey mustard, ranch, or marinara sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and fun snack, perfect for when you want something warm and tasty fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Coating Ready:
Set out three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Wrap the Cheese:
Lay each slice of ham flat on a clean surface. Place one mozzarella stick at one end and roll the ham tightly around the cheese so it’s snug and secure.
3. Coat the Rolls:
Start by rolling each ham and cheese stick in flour; shake off the extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat all around.
If you want an extra crispy coating, repeat the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps once more.
4. Fry Until Golden:
Heat about 1 to 1.5 inches of oil in a deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few sticks to the hot oil without crowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until the coating is golden and crunchy and the cheese is nice and melty inside.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy ham and cheese sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center wrapped in a crunchy, flavorful ham crust!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping with ham. This prevents uneven cooking and helps the cheese melt perfectly inside.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness — microwaving can make them soggy.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Ham?
You can use turkey, chicken slices, or even prosciutto for different flavors. Just choose thin slices that can wrap well around the cheese sticks.