Ham Cheese Sticks Crispy

Crispy on the outside and melty inside these ham cheese sticks are a game-changing snack that never lasts more than a few minutes at a party or movie night I started making them to clear out my deli drawer one weekend and now friends ask for them at every gathering because who can resist gooey cheese wrapped in salty ham

I remember my kids helping wrap the cheese sticks and sneaking tastes before they hit the fryer Their laughter makes this recipe one of my happiest kitchen memories

Ingredients

• Deli ham: Adds a savory layer and helps keep the cheese from leaking Look for ham slices that are soft but not too thin for best wrapping
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: Provide that gooey cheese pull Use whole milk mozzarella for richness and stretch
• All-purpose flour: Creates a dry coating for dredging so crumbs stick better Make sure it is fresh and lump free
• Large eggs: Help bind the coating to the ham and cheese Use room temperature eggs for even coating
• Water: Mixed with eggs thins them slightly for easier dipping
• Breadcrumbs: Form the crisp crust Use fine dry breadcrumbs for best crunch
• Italian seasoning: Brings herby flavor Pick a blend with oregano and basil for classic taste
• Garlic powder: Punches up the flavor just a hint
• Onion powder: Adds another layer of savory background
• Ground black pepper: Gives gentle heat
• Vegetable oil for frying: Heats evenly and creates that golden crust Pick a neutral oil like canola or sunflower for best results

Instructions

Wrap the Cheese:

Carefully lay out one slice of deli ham and place a mozzarella stick at the edge Roll tightly so the cheese is completely covered pressing the ham to seal

Set Up Your Dredging Station:

Prepare three shallow bowls Place all-purpose flour in the first Whisk eggs and water together in the second In the third combine breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning garlic powder onion powder and black pepper for even seasoning

Dredge Each Stick:

Take a ham wrapped cheese stick and roll it in flour Shake off any excess so just a thin even coating remains This helps the next coatings stick

Dip In Egg Wash:

Coat the floured stick in egg mixture making sure all sides are wet This will help crumbs adhere

Coat With Breadcrumbs:

Press the egg coated stick into the breadcrumb mixture Roll and press firmly so crumbs stick all over

Repeat and Chill:

Place breaded sticks on a parchment lined plate Continue with all remaining sticks Once finished freeze them for fifteen to twenty minutes to firm up and prevent cheese from oozing during frying

Heat Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of about two inches Heat over medium high until temperature reaches three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit

Fry the Sticks:

Add chilled sticks in batches Fry for two to three minutes turning once until both sides are golden brown and crisp

Drain and Serve:

Remove with a slotted spoon Lay on a plate lined with paper towels to soak excess oil Serve immediately while hot and gooey with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or ranch

Mozzarella cheese always makes these sticks a winner at family gatherings Watching the cheese pull when you bite in reminds me of childhood pizza nights and sharing plates around the table

Storage Tips

Keep leftover fried sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days To reheat bake at three hundred seventy five degrees until crispy again You can freeze extra dredged uncooked sticks in a single layer then store in a zip bag Fry directly from frozen adding one extra minute If storing cooked leftovers never microwave or the crust will go soggy Use oven or toaster oven for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey or chicken deli slices work in place of ham for a lighter option Switch out mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor or heat Panko crumbs create an even crispier crunch if you have them on hand Try seasoning the breadcrumbs with smoked paprika or cayenne for boldness

Serving Suggestions

Best served hot with a selection of dips such as marinara honey mustard or spicy ranch Pair with a fresh green salad for lunch or serve as a side with tomato soup Cut in half and skewer for a party platter snack that is easy to grab

Cultural and Family Fun

Inspired by classic mozzarella sticks but wrapped in ham for a French and American mashup Great use for holiday deli leftovers Kids love making and eating them Serve during game nights birthday parties or movie marathons for guaranteed smiles

Seasonal Adaptations

Use fresh herbs from the garden in summer Add smoked ham or spicy meats for winter coziness Try tomato or roasted red pepper dipping sauce for garden season flavor

Handy Notes

Do not skip freezing before frying or cheese will leak Press breadcrumbs well so they form a thick crust Use oil that holds high heat to avoid soggy sticks

Success Stories

A neighbor once told me she made these with her kids and now they are their Friday night ritual She adds her own signature dipping sauce each time and never has leftovers Whether for holidays or sleepovers these always disappear fast

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bread the ham cheese sticks and freeze in a single layer for easy snacking Straight from the freezer to fryer means warm gooey snacks anytime Perfect for prepping ahead before guests arrive

Whether for a party snack or family treat these ham cheese sticks are a guaranteed hit Serve them with your favorite dip and watch them disappear fast

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep cheese from leaking during frying?

Chilling the ham-wrapped cheese sticks before frying helps prevent the mozzarella from melting too quickly and leaking out. Proper breading also ensures a tight seal.

→ What cheese works best for this snack?

Mozzarella string cheese offers the ideal melt and texture, making it perfect for creating gooey centers inside the crispy coating.

→ Can you bake instead of fry?

Yes, for a lighter option, place the prepared sticks on a lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crisp.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Serve with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite savory sauce to complement the flavors and add variety.

→ How far in advance can you prepare them?

You can prepare and freeze the breaded sticks up to a month ahead; fry directly from frozen and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.