Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks: 5 Must-Try Tips

Introduction: Crispy, Cheesy, and Ready in Minutes!

Picture this: golden, crispy exterior gives way to warm, gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in savory ham—and baked to perfection. These Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack-time hero. Ever had one that oozed cheese in the best way possible? That’s the magic these sticks deliver.

Fun fact: mozzarella sticks first appeared in American cookbooks during the 1970s, but swapping breading with ham slices brings this classic finger food to a whole new level. Not only does it reduce carbs, it adds sweet-salty flavor that everyone loves.

What makes this dish special? Simplicity, speed, and family appeal. Prep takes 10 minutes, bake for 15, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. No deep-frying needed—just oven-baked perfection with minimal mess.

If you’ve loved our Garlic Butter Steak Bites (check that recipe), you’ll appreciate the same quick prep, bold flavor, and shareable appeal here. Ready for cheesy bliss? Let’s dive in!

What Are Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks?

You might wonder—how did we land on this cheesy delight? The name says it all: strips of ham wrapped around mozzarella cheese, breaded, then oven-baked into crisp sticks. It’s like a pizza and sandwich had a delicious baby.

A playful story says a busy parent tossed leftover ham and cheese together, baked them, and discovered the perfect snack hack—proof that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach holds true in unexpected ways. These sticks are perfect for busy families, snack time, or casual entertaining.

So grab your ham, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and get ready to wow yourself—and your guests—with this easy, comforting snack.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Main Highlight: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection

Nothing beats that first bite: a crisp coating that gives way to creamy, melty cheese wrapped in savory ham. It’s indulgent comfort food in stick form.

Save Money, Skip the Takeout

Instead of ordering deep-fried food or pricey appetizers, make these sticks at home using basic ingredients. They’re affordable, customizable, and skip the grease of traditional frying.

Flavor Boost: Simple Yet Satisfying

Use flavored ham, add Italian seasoning, Parmesan, or even jalapeño slices for a spicy twist. They’re flexible and impressive. If you adore our Rotisserie Chicken Wraps (see our last article), you’ll love the same easy upgrade and customization here.

Give these sticks a try—and bring cheesy goodness into your kitchen tonight!

How to Make Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Quick Overview: Easy, Fast, Crowd-Pleasing

These sticks are ready in under 30 minutes. Prep time is 10 minutes, and baking is just 15. No fryer or expertise needed—just bake, melt, and munch.

Key Ingredients for Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

8 slices deli ham (about 8×6 inches)
8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
2 eggs, beaten
Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Prep ham and cheese: Lay out a slice of ham, place a mozzarella stick at one end, and roll it up. Secure with toothpick if needed.
Coating station: In a bowl, whisk eggs. In another, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano & paprika.
Coat the sticks: Dip each rolled stick into egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake: Place sticks on the sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and cheese is melty.
Serve: Let cool slightly (to avoid lava cheese!), then serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

What to Serve with Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Pair these cheesy sticks with:

Marinara or pesto dip—classic choices that elevate flavor
Fresh vegetable platter for balance
Air-fryer or oven-roasted potato wedges for crunchy sides
Iced tea, lemonade, or light beer for refreshing contrast

Want a themed menu? Try pairing with our Pineapple Cucumber Salad (great side for Italian night!) or finish with Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake (adorkable dessert).

Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Seal edges with egg wash to prevent cheese leaks—especially important with high-moisture cheese
Firm cheese works best—avoid overly soft cheese that melts too fast
Freeze first if needed—frozen sticks yield neater results straight into oven
Season breadcrumbs with spices like Parmesan or chili powder to boost flavor
Check oven early—remove once cheese oozes lightly but before heavy leaking

Storing and Reheating Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.

Freezing
Freeze unbaked or baked sticks (separately) for up to 2 months. Bake frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.

Reheating
Always reheat in oven or toaster oven to preserve crispiness—avoid microwave to prevent sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes—assemble and freeze individually before baking for just-in-time snacks.

Q: Can I use Swiss or cheddar cheese instead?
Absolutely! Just ensure cheese sticks are firm enough or cut them into sticks.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and most deli ham brands fit GF diets.

Q: Any veggie version?
Switch the ham for turkey or bacon, or wrap zucchini sticks with melted cheese for a veggie twist.

These Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks bring crispy, cheesy, and savory satisfaction to any table—with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, parties, or fun snacks, they deliver big flavor without deep fryer drama. Budget-friendly, customizable, and family-approved, they deserve a spot in your recipe lineup.

Try them tonight—and don’t forget to check our Rotisserie Chicken Wraps in our last article for another easy snack idea. For more home-cooked inspiration, head to Foodybuzz for recipe ideas perfect for weeknight crowds!

Here’s to happier snacking—and gooey, delicious bites ahead!