Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

These mozzarella sticks came about when I was trying to find a way to make a healthier version of my kids' favorite restaurant appetizer but still have them actually eat it. Regular baked mozzarella sticks always seemed to turn out soggy or bland, but wrapping them in egg roll wrappers with some ham creates this incredible crispy coating that gets golden and crunchy in the oven. Each bite delivers that perfect cheese pull with the added bonus of salty ham, all wrapped up in a light, crispy shell that's way better than any frozen version I've tried.

My picky nephew, who normally only eats chicken nuggets and plain cheese, tried one of these and immediately asked for three more. My husband said they tasted like something from a fancy appetizer menu but were way better because the ham added so much flavor. Even my health-conscious sister admitted these were "surprisingly really good" and didn't taste like diet food at all.

Ingredients

• Egg roll wrappers: These get incredibly crispy in the oven and hold everything together perfectly
• Honey ham slices: Thin deli ham adds that perfect salty contrast to the cheese
• String cheese: Already the perfect size and shape, plus guaranteed good melting
• Simple seasonings: Just olive oil and garlic salt to help them brown and add flavor

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Assembly Setup

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out all your ingredients so you can work assembly-line style, which makes the whole process much faster.

Wrapping Technique

Place an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape and put a slice of ham in the center. Place one string cheese stick on top of the ham. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the cheese, then roll the whole thing up tightly to create that classic egg roll shape.

Sealing Process

Make sure the seam is on the bottom when you place each stick on the baking sheet. The wrapper should completely enclose the ham and cheese with no gaps where the filling can leak out during baking.

Oil and Seasoning

Brush each wrapped stick lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt to taste. The oil helps them get golden and crispy, while the garlic salt adds that perfect savory flavor that makes them taste restaurant-quality.

Baking Method

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they're browned to your liking, checking them after about 10 minutes since all ovens are different. Turn them over and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes until they're golden brown on both sides.

Serving Time

Serve immediately while they're hot and the cheese is still molten inside. They're perfect with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or whatever dipping sauce your family prefers.

I learned the sealing lesson after having cheese leak all over my baking sheet because I didn't wrap them tightly enough. Now I always make sure they're completely enclosed and the seam is well-sealed. Also, that turning step really does make a difference in getting them evenly crispy.

Perfect Pairings

These work great as appetizers before dinner or as a fun snack for game day. They're incredible with marinara sauce for that classic combination, but ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even cheese sauce work beautifully too. For drinks, they pair well with whatever you'd normally have with appetizers - beer, soda, or iced tea.

Creative Variations

Try different deli meats like turkey, salami, or prosciutto for variety. You could add some herbs like basil or oregano to the wrapper before rolling. For spice lovers, a thin slice of jalapeño inside adds a nice kick. Different cheeses work too, though string cheese is really the perfect size and consistency.

Storage Solutions

These are definitely best eaten fresh and hot while the coating is crispy and the cheese is gooey. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a couple days and reheated in the oven at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes, though they won't be quite as crispy as fresh ones. Don't microwave them because that makes the wrapper chewy.

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These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks have become our go-to appetizer when we want something that feels indulgent but isn't actually fried. They prove that you can get incredible crispy texture using healthier cooking methods when you use the right techniques and ingredients. Every time I make them, people are surprised by how much they taste like the fried versions but without all the grease. It's become one of those recipes that makes healthy eating feel less like a sacrifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use eggroll wrappers instead of breadcrumbs?

Eggroll wrappers create a crispy exterior without deep frying, making these healthier while still giving that satisfying crunch.

→ Can I make these without ham for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Just skip the ham and use just the mozzarella stick. You could also add herbs or other seasonings for extra flavor.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to wrap the eggroll wrappers tightly and seal the edges well. Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.

→ What are the best dipping sauces for these?

Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even sweet and sour sauce work great too.

→ Can I freeze these for later?

Yes! Assemble them and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.