BAKED HAM AND CHEESE MOZZARELLA STICKS
These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks are crispy outside and melty inside. They’re a fun twist on a classic snack—perfect for parties, holiday platters, or after-school treats with a cheesy surprise in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 6 slices deli ham cut in half
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Wrap Cheese:
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with half a slice of ham, pressing gently to seal.
Bread the Sticks:
- Roll each ham-wrapped cheese stick in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and oregano.
Freeze:
- Place the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to help prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare and freeze sticks in advance for up to a week.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with marinara, honey mustard, or ranch.
- Variations: Try smoked turkey or prosciutto in place of ham for different flavors.