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These crispy ham cheese sticks are my secret weapon for parties and family movie nights. Easy to prepare and so satisfying with every bite of gooey melted cheese and crispy coating you get a homemade treat that vanishes fast from the table.
I first whipped these up for a backyard birthday and everyone kept coming back for more. Now my friends expect them at every get together.
Ingredients
- Deli ham slices: Select meaty ham with minimal moisture for best wrapping
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: Classic choice for melty pull and gentle flavor try part skim for less grease
- All purpose flour: Helps the coating stick choose fine textured flour
- Large eggs: Binds everything together fresher eggs yield better coating
- Water: Loosens the egg wash for even coverage tap or filtered works
- Plain breadcrumbs: Choose fine and dry for ultra crisp results
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby depth to the coating
- Garlic powder: Boosts savoriness and rounds out flavor
- Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and aroma
- Ground black pepper: Gives gentle heat
- Vegetable oil: Opt for high smoke point oils such as canola or sunflower for deep frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wrap the Cheese:
- Make sure your mozzarella sticks are cold for easier handling Take each slice of ham and roll it tightly around a cheese stick fully enclosing the cheese ends Press seams together to seal
- Prepare the Coating Station:
- Set up three shallow bowls Use the first bowl for all purpose flour In the second bowl whisk eggs with water until well combined In the third bowl blend breadcrumbs Italian seasoning garlic powder onion powder and black pepper until evenly mixed
- Bread the Ham Cheese Sticks:
- Dredge each wrapped stick first in the flour coating all surfaces and shaking off excess Dip in the egg wash rotating to cover all sides so coating will stick Finally roll in seasoned breadcrumbs Press gently so crumbs adhere and the layer is even
- Chill for Best Results:
- Arrange breaded sticks in a single layer on a parchment lined plate or baking sheet Place in the freezer for about fifteen to twenty minutes until firm but not frozen solid This step keeps cheese from oozing out while frying
- Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Fill your deep frying pan or pot with enough vegetable oil to submerge the sticks Heat oil to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius Gently lower sticks into hot oil using tongs Fry in batches for two to three minutes turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove cooked sticks with a slotted spoon and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels Serve immediately for the best crunch and gooey cheese Pull apart and dip as you like
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These ham cheese sticks are my little ones favorite after school treat I love using extra garlicky ham for an extra punch of flavor and watching that cheese pull never gets old It always brings back memories of sharing snacks in my grandma’s sunny kitchen
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers let them cool completely before transferring to a container Store in the refrigerator up to three days To reheat bake in a hot oven or air fryer until sizzling and crisp Microwaving will soften the coating so avoid if you want to keep that crunch For longer storage freeze uncooked breaded sticks in a single layer then transfer to a bag once firm Fry directly from frozen adding one extra minute to cooking time
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella for string cheese sharp cheddar or pepper jack to suit your taste Do not use fresh mozzarella since its too moist Try smoked turkey or chicken breast slices for a different wrap Gluten free breadcrumbs work well if needed For an extra crispy crust double dip in the egg and breadcrumbs
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Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm marinara sauce ranch dressing honey mustard or spicy aioli for dipping Add a crunchy salad or roasted veggies to make it a light meal For gatherings stack them on a platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs or grated parmesan
Cultural and Historical Context
Ham and cheese as a pair goes back centuries in European sandwiches With this playful recipe you take a comfort food classic and transform it into an irresistible party snack The process is reminiscent of classic Italian fried cheese dishes but with a little American twist
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of ham works best?
Deli-style ham slices are ideal for wrapping as they are thin, flexible, and easy to handle around the cheese.
- → Can other cheeses be used?
While mozzarella is classic for its melt and stretch, cheddar or gouda sticks also work well for variation.
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking during frying?
Ensure the ham fully encloses the cheese and the coating covers evenly. Freezing sticks before frying helps too.
- → What oil is recommended for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, for best frying results.
- → Can these be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake on a lined sheet at 425°F (218°C) until golden, flipping halfway for even browning.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to retain crispiness.