Crispy Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks: The 5-Ingredient Appetizer That’s Better Than Fried
There are some recipes that are just pure joy—simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and devoured the moment they hit the plate. These Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks are one of them. They take the familiar, comforting flavors of a classic ham and cheese sandwich and wrap them up in a crispy, golden eggroll wrapper. Baking them instead of frying gives you that perfect crunch and a gooey mozzarella pull without the oil mess. This is my go-to recipe for everything from a quick after-school snack to a no-fuss party appetizer.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m Jason Griffith, and I believe in maximizing flavor with minimum effort. This recipe is a perfect example of that philosophy.
- Super Simple Ingredients: You need only six basic ingredients—most of which you probably already have on hand. It’s a true pantry MVP.
- A Healthier Crunch: By baking and using a simple egg wash and cooking spray, we achieve a glorious, crisp exterior that tastes just as good as a fried version but is significantly lighter.
- The Comfort Factor: It’s the ultimate marriage of salty, savory ham and mild, melty mozzarella. When that cheese pull happens, there’s just nothing better.
- Perfectly Dippable: These sticks are designed for dipping! They pair beautifully with everything from honey mustard to ranch dressing.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Eggroll wrappers | 12 | Look for these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. |
| Mozzarella string cheese sticks | 12 | Pre-portioned cheese sticks make this assembly line move super fast. |
| Diced ham | 1 cup | Pre-diced is great, or use up leftover ham from a holiday meal. |
| Mustard | 1 tablespoon | Optional, but highly recommended for a tangy depth of flavor (I prefer Dijon). |
| Egg | 1 | This is your egg wash, essential for sealing and browning. |
| Cooking spray | As needed | Used to ensure a crispy, golden finish. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: If you don’t have string cheese, cut a block of low-moisture mozzarella into sticks. For a bolder flavor, try Swiss or Provolone sticks instead.
- The Wrapper: While eggroll wrappers are the standard here for their size and thickness, spring roll wrappers can also be used, though they will be slightly thinner and crispier.
- Meat Swaps: You can easily swap the ham for shredded, cooked chicken, ground sausage, or even thinly sliced pepperoni. If you’re looking for more chicken-based appetizer ideas, these Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are another massive crowd-pleaser.
- Flavor Upgrades: Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to the egg wash, or sprinkle a little black pepper inside with the ham.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
- Lay out one eggroll wrapper on a clean, dry surface, orienting it like a diamond with a point facing you.
- Place one mozzarella stick just above the bottom point.
- Sprinkle about a tablespoon of diced ham next to the cheese stick.
- If using, add a small dab of mustard over the ham and cheese.
Step 3: Roll and Seal
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, pulling it snugly.
- Fold in the left and right side corners toward the center. The wrapper should now resemble an envelope.
- Roll the stick up tightly toward the remaining top corner.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Use your finger or a pastry brush to coat the final edge of the wrapper with the egg wash to seal the stick closed.
- Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 4: Bake for Crispiness
- Place your finished sticks seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Give the tops and sides of the sticks a light but even mist of cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are perfectly golden-brown and the filling is visibly melting.
Step 5: Serve Warm
- Let the sticks cool on the tray for just 2–3 minutes before serving. This allows the scalding hot cheese to set just enough to prevent burns.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips for Success
- Seal it Tight: The egg wash is essential. Make sure that final fold is completely sealed. If it’s open, the cheese will escape and make a mess on your pan.
- Baking Surface: Always use parchment paper! If the cheese oozes out, it will stick horribly to an untreated pan, even a non-stick one.
- Keep Wrappers Moist: Eggroll wrappers can dry out quickly. Keep the unused wrappers covered with a slightly damp paper towel while you assemble the sticks to prevent them from cracking.
- Freeze Ahead: Assemble the sticks fully, then flash-freeze them on a tray without the egg wash or cooking spray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding about 5–8 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cheesy sticks are great on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a good dipping sauce or served as part of a larger spread.
Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Classic Ranch
- Warm Marinara Sauce (for a pizza twist)
Complementary Recipes
If you’re making a feast, these sticks pair perfectly with other easy, satisfying dishes:
- For Dinner: Serve these as a side with a classic dish like Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a Party: Balance the savory with a sweet bite like The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot.
- A Hearty Main: These can start a meal that ends with my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Yields: 12 sticks
- Serving Size: 1 stick
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
| Calories | 145 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
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Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on average ingredient values and does not account for dipping sauces.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To bring them back to their crispy glory, reheat them in a toaster oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C)for 5–8 minutes. The microwave will make them soggy, so avoid it!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the simple assembly and amazing flavor of these sticks, you’ll definitely want to check out these other favorites from the site:
- Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive: Another bite-sized favorite with a killer crunch.
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit: A fantastic, full-flavored family meal.
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot: Because every great appetizer needs an equally great dessert.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Ham and Cheese Sticks are proof that the best comfort food is often the simplest. They are warm, cheesy, and crunchy, making them a perfect addition to any menu. They’re so easy, they practically make themselves!
Give this recipe a try this week and let me know your favorite dipping sauce in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow me on social media and check back here at Chefmaniac.com for more recipes that make your life easier and your food tastier!
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