Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect snack that’s equal parts nostalgic and crowd-pleasing, these Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to hit the spot. Imagine gooey mozzarella wrapped in savory ham and encased in a crispy, golden, oven-baked crust—the end result is a finger food that brings everyone running to the kitchen. From quick appetizers at parties to lazy afternoons when you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, these Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are unfussy, with no frying (or greasy splatters) in sight!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks is how the humble ingredients come together to create absolute magic. Each one pulls its weight—whether it’s the melty cheese, the crispy coating, or the savory ham, every element is essential for that perfect bite.

• Fresh mozzarella sticks: Choose whole milk mozzarella for extra gooeyness; these are the star of the show!
• Sliced deli ham: Thinly sliced ham wraps snugly around the cheese, sealing in flavor and adding salty, savory notes.
• Large eggs: Whisked eggs help the breadcrumb coating stick and add golden color during baking.
• All-purpose flour: A light dusting creates a dry surface so the egg clings better to the sticks.
• Italian breadcrumbs: These give your sticks that classic, herby crunch on the outside—seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan in the breadcrumbs creates even more crispiness and a nutty, cheesy layer.
• Olive oil spray: A quick mist helps the coating turn perfectly golden while keeping your sticks light and not greasy.
• Optional dried herbs: Oregano or parsley sprinkled into the breadcrumbs bring out those Italian deli vibes.

How to Make Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Assembly Line

Before you start, set up your workstation to keep things tidy and efficient. Line up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and any dried herbs you fancy. This way, you’ll breeze through the breading process without any sticky messes.

Step 2: Wrap Cheese with Ham

Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it fully in a slice of ham, making sure to cover every part—this helps prevent cheese from escaping during baking. If your ham slices are thin, feel free to double up for extra coverage and flavor.

Step 3: Bread Each Stick

Roll each ham-wrapped cheese stick in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, and finally roll it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well, ensuring every inch is covered for that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Freeze Before Baking

Arrange the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and pop them into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step keeps your Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks from bursting open as they bake, holding everything neatly together while the coating crisps up.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give each stick a light misting of olive oil spray, then bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is deeply golden and the cheese is melting inside. Let them cool just long enough to avoid molten cheese burns (they’ll be tempting!), then dig in.

How to Serve Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness, while a dusting of extra grated Parmesan can never hurt. For a hint of zing, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for classic dipping. They also love the company of a simple Caesar salad, a pile of crunchy veggie sticks, or even seasoned potato wedges for a total snack feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the sticks upright in mason jars or tall glasses lined with parchment for easy grabbing. If you’re feeding kids, arrange them on a platter with a rainbow of dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo all work! Or skewer them on wooden sticks for a playful twist that’s picnic- or lunchbox-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with a few extras (a rare event!), pop any leftover Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks into an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to three days, though the coating is always crunchiest on day one.

Freezing

To get ahead for busy days, assemble and bread the sticks as instructed, then freeze them on a tray until firm before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. You can bake straight from frozen—just add five extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks on a baking sheet in a hot oven (400°F) for 8–10 minutes. They’ll regain their crispy shell and melty center, almost as good as fresh from the oven. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives you that iconic pull, provolone or mild cheddar work beautifully and melt nicely, too. Just choose a cheese that holds its shape when heated.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Most well-stocked grocery stores carry gluten-free versions of both, so you can still enjoy irresistible Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Definitely. Assemble, bread, and freeze the sticks ahead of time. When guests arrive, just bake from frozen. You’ll have hot, fresh snacks with zero last-minute fuss.

What if I don’t have olive oil spray?

No problem. You can lightly brush each stick with olive oil instead. The important thing is a thin, even coating so the outside turns nicely golden without absorbing too much oil.

Can I add extra flavor to the breadcrumb coating?

Go wild! Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs, or toss in fresh minced herbs for a personal touch that makes each batch of Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving an easy snack that doubles as a conversation starter, look no further than these Baked Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks. They’re simple, crowd-friendly, and outrageously delicious—perfect for sharing with your favorite people. I hope you’ll give them a try and get ready for plenty of requests for the recipe!

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