Ham Cheese Sticks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 sticks
Ingredients
Main
8 slices deli ham
8 mozzarella cheese sticks
Breading Station
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk or water
1½ cups breadcrumbs
(panko for extra crunch)
Seasoning (Highly Recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Frying or Baking
Vegetable oil (for frying)
or
Cooking spray or olive oil (for baking / air fryer)
Instructions
1️⃣ Wrap the Cheese
Place one mozzarella stick at the edge of a ham slice.
Roll tightly until fully wrapped.
Repeat with remaining ham and cheese.
Chill wrapped sticks in the freezer 15–20 minutes (prevents cheese from leaking).
2️⃣ Prepare Breading Stations
Bowl 1: Flour + salt & pepper
Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with milk
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
3️⃣ Bread the Sticks
Roll each ham-cheese stick in flour (shake off excess).
Dip into egg wash.
Roll in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
For extra crunch, repeat egg + breadcrumb coating.
4️⃣ Cooking Options
Frying (Crispiest)
Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C.
Fry sticks 2–3 minutes, turning until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Baking
Preheat oven to 400°F / 205°C.
Place sticks on lined baking sheet.
Spray lightly with oil.
Bake 15–18 minutes, turning once.
Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 390°F / 200°C.
Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
5️⃣ Serve Hot
Let cool slightly before serving (cheese is HOT!).
Dipping Sauces
Marinara sauce
Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo
Pro Tips
Double breading = less cheese leakage.
Freezing before cooking is key.
Mozzarella sticks work best, but string cheese also works.
Variations
Spicy: Add cayenne or chili flakes
Italian: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
Breakfast: Swap ham for turkey or chicken
Keto: Use almond flour + pork rinds
