If you’re looking for the ultimate appetizer, snack, or even a fun meal idea, look no further than Ham and Cheese Sticks! These golden, crispy bites of cheesy, meaty goodness are like a combination of a mozzarella stick and a ham roll-up—irresistible, super easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick snack fix, these Ham and Cheese Sticks require just a few simple ingredients, and they fry up beautifully in minutes. Whether you’re dipping them in marinara sauce, honey mustard, or just enjoying them as is, they are sure to be a hit!
So, let’s get started on making these crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious treats!
Ingredients
To make a batch of delicious Ham and Cheese Sticks, you’ll need:
For the Sticks:
- 8 slices of deli ham (thin but sturdy)
- 8 cheese sticks (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular for a smoother texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (or canola oil)
For Dipping:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Ham and Cheese Rolls
- Lay out one slice of ham on a clean surface or cutting board.
- Place one cheese stick at the edge of the ham slice and roll it up tightly.
- If needed, secure the ham roll with a toothpick (but remove it before frying!).
- Repeat with the remaining ham and cheese sticks.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
Step 3: Bread the Sticks
- Dip each ham-wrapped cheese stick into the flour, coating it lightly.
- Next, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Repeat for all ham and cheese sticks.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place 2-3 sticks at a time into the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
- Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness while they’re fresh!
Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Choose the Right Ham: A sturdy ham slice works best to hold the cheese without breaking. Avoid paper-thin ham.
- Use Frozen Cheese Sticks: If you freeze your cheese sticks for about 30 minutes before wrapping, it helps prevent them from melting too quickly when frying.
- Double Coat for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crunchier texture, dip the sticks in the egg and breadcrumbs a second time before frying.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven Baking: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes on a lined baking sheet, turning once for even crispiness.
- Prevent Cheese Leakage: Ensure the ham fully wraps around the cheese, and tuck in the ends as much as possible.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating:
- Store any leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing:
- Before frying: Place breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Cooking from frozen: Fry straight from the freezer—just add an extra 1-2 minutes of frying time.
Variations
- Spicy Ham and Cheese Sticks: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some heat.
- BBQ Ham and Cheese Sticks: Serve with BBQ sauce instead of marinara for a smoky flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Ham and Cheese Sticks: Wrap the ham in a thin slice of bacon before breading.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, gouda, provolone, or Swiss for different flavors.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and coat with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approx. 2 Sticks)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
(Note: Nutrition varies based on cheese type and frying method.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them before frying for up to 3 months.
2. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but cheddar, gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack also work well.
3. Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, turning once for even crispiness.
4. Why did my cheese leak out?
This usually happens if the ham isn’t wrapped tightly or the oil temperature is too low. Try freezing the cheese before rolling, and make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying.
5. How do I keep them crispy?
If making a big batch, place them on a wire rack in a warm oven (250°F/120°C) while frying the rest. This keeps them crispy without getting soggy.
There you have it—your new favorite Ham and Cheese Sticks recipe! Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just a cozy snack, these crispy bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know your favorite dipping sauce! 🧀🥓🔥
