Picture this: a crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to gooey melted mozzarella that stretches like it’s auditioning for a pizza commercial, all wrapped around savory ham. Yes, my friends, we’re diving into the delicious world of Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. These little bites of joy are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night or just need an excuse to indulge in some cheesy goodness. For more inspiration, check out this appetizer recipes recipe.
Now, let’s get real for a moment. The first time I made Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, I thought I was reinventing the culinary wheel. My friends gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation, and I could practically hear their stomachs growling. By the end of the night, they were begging for the recipe like it was some kind of secret family heirloom. If that doesn’t tell you how amazing these sticks are, then I don’t know what will.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks offer easy preparation that even your dog could handle—well, maybe not
- Their flavor profile strikes a perfect balance between salty ham and creamy cheese
- Visually appealing with their crispy coating and cheesy interior, they steal the show at any gathering
- Plus, they are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or snacks anytime!
I once brought these cheese sticks to a potluck, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than leftover pizza at a college dorm party. Everyone raved about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ham Slices: Choose thinly sliced ham for easy wrapping around the cheese without overpowering its flavor.
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Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Opt for string cheese; its meltiness is vital for that gooey experience we all crave.
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All-Purpose Flour: This will help the breadcrumbs stick during frying; no one likes a naked cheese stick!
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Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as glue to hold everything together while frying.
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Breadcrumbs: Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch; they add that satisfying texture you’ll love.
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Oil for Frying: Canola or vegetable oil works best for frying—just enough to cover the bottom of your pan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Prepping these Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks is easier than convincing your cat to ignore you at dinner time. Let’s break it down step by step.
Set Up Your Station: Gather all your ingredients along with three bowls: one each for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. It’s like an assembly line but tastier!
Wrap the Cheese with Ham: Take a slice of ham and wrap it tightly around each mozzarella stick. Make sure there are no gaps unless you enjoy surprise explosions of cheese later.
Dredge in Flour: Roll each ham-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour until coated evenly. This step helps create a crust during frying that’s absolutely crucial.
Dip in Egg Mixture: Next up is the egg bath! Dip each stick into the beaten eggs so that they’re fully coated—think of it as giving them a spa treatment before frying.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Now roll those beauties in breadcrumbs until they’re covered completely. Use your hands to press gently; you want them snug like a warm blanket.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat until shimmering (around 350°F). Fry the sticks until golden brown on all sides—about 3-4 minutes total—and enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Remember to place them on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil because nobody wants soggy cheese sticks!
Enjoy these delightful Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks hot out of the fryer or oven! They’re perfect paired with marinara sauce or eaten straight up—you do you! Whether served at parties or enjoyed solo during binge-watching sessions on Netflix, these sticks never disappoint!
This amazing Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or cozy family nights. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese will have everyone reaching for seconds.
You Must Know
- When making Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, use fresh mozzarella for the best melt
- Keep the oil temperature steady to achieve that golden crunch
- These sticks are perfect as appetizers or snacks, making them a versatile choice for entertaining
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: slice the ham and mozzarella, then roll them up tightly before breading. This method ensures even cooking and maximum flavor throughout each stick.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up with different herbs or add a touch of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs. You can also swap ham for turkey or chicken for a healthier twist on this classic.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Make sure to seal each stick tightly to prevent cheese leaks while frying
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavors
I remember the first time I made Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks; my friends couldn’t get enough! They devoured them so quickly that I barely got one myself.
FAQ
Can I bake Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks instead of frying?
Yes, baking is possible; just spray them with oil and bake at 400°F until golden.
What dipping sauces pair well with these cheese sticks?
Try marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for a delightful experience.
Can I freeze Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks for later use?
Absolutely! Freeze them before frying; just cook from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 cheese sticks 1x
Description
Ham and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers. With a crispy, golden exterior that encases gooey, melted mozzarella and savory ham, these delicious bites are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a game night or a cozy family gathering. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they promise to be a hit at your next party. Pair them with marinara sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Ingredients
- 6 slices thinly sliced ham
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Set up your station: Arrange three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of ham.
- Dredge the wrapped sticks in flour until evenly coated.
- Dip them into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in breadcrumbs until completely covered.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F). Fry the sticks for 3–4 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Place on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese stick (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder or herbs. Substitute ham with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Freeze un-fried sticks for convenient future use; fry them directly from frozen.
