- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 12 sticks
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Lunch
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers or spring roll wrappers
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half if desired
- 12 thin slices of cooked ham
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ketchup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean work surface. Place one mozzarella cheese stick near one end of the ham and roll it tightly until the cheese is completely wrapped.
Repeat with the remaining ham and cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until smooth.
This mixture helps seal the wrappers and creates a golden finish during cooking.
Step 3: Wrap the Sticks
Lay an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape.
Place the ham-wrapped cheese stick near the bottom corner.
Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
Fold both sides inward.
Brush the remaining edges with egg wash.
Roll tightly to seal completely.
Repeat until all sticks are wrapped.
Step 4: Coat the Sticks
Mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Lightly brush each wrapped stick with egg wash.
Roll each one in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan.
Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Maintaining the correct temperature helps create a crispy coating without making the sticks greasy.
Step 6: Fry
Carefully place a few sticks into the hot oil.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until evenly golden brown.
Turn occasionally for even cooking.
Step 7: Drain
Remove the cooked sticks using a slotted spoon.
Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the sticks with cooking oil.
Cook for 7–9 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Continue until golden brown and crispy.
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Lightly spray with cooking oil.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Bake until crispy and golden.
Tips for Success
- Freeze the wrapped sticks for 20 minutes before frying to reduce cheese leakage.
- Seal the wrapper edges tightly using the egg wash.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Fry in small batches for even cooking.
- Monitor the oil temperature to avoid soggy results.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Variations
Try different cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy version.
Include cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs for added aroma.
Use turkey or chicken slices instead of ham if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as the coating may become soft.
Freezing Instructions
Prepare the sticks but do not fry them.
Arrange them on a baking tray and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy sticks pair well with:
- French fries
- Fresh garden salad
- Tomato soup
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Fresh fruit platter
They’re also excellent as party appetizers, lunchbox treats, or game-day snacks.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1 Stick):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1mg