Looking for a quick, cheesy, and utterly delicious snack that doubles as a crowd-pleaser? These ham and cheese sticks are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, golden-brown breading with a gooey, cheesy center wrapped in savory ham. Whether served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent treat, these ham and cheese sticks are guaranteed to impress both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun, handheld snack that kids will love dipping and devouring.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different cheeses, hams, or breading for a unique twist every time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly option without compromising on flavor.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of a crispy exterior and melty, cheesy interior is pure perfection.
Ingredients
- Slices of ham
- Cheese sticks or cheese cut into stick shapes (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Lay out your ham slices and cheese sticks. If your cheese sticks are too long, cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Wrap the Cheese: Place a cheese stick at one end of a ham slice and roll it tightly until the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining ham and cheese.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Ham and Cheese Rolls: Roll each ham and cheese stick in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip it into the beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. For extra crispiness, you can double dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden, it’s ready.
- Fry the Sticks: Carefully place the breaded ham and cheese sticks into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the sticks from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for gouda, pepper jack, or any meltable cheese you prefer.
- Ham Alternatives: Use turkey, prosciutto, or even thinly sliced salami for a different flavor profile.
- Breading Upgrade: Add grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
- Baked Version: For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded sticks in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 (depending on portion size)
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for 5-6 minutes at the same temperature. Avoid microwaving as it may make the breading soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded sticks on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed by the ham and securely coated with breadcrumbs. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs can also help seal the edges.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and bread the ham and cheese sticks in advance, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is a classic choice for its stretchiness, but you can also try cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for different flavors.
Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sticks for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray them with cooking oil for a crispy finish.
What dipping sauces pair well with ham and cheese sticks?
Popular options include marinara, ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or even sweet chili sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s not recommended, as shredded cheese won’t hold its shape during frying. Stick to block cheese cut into sticks or pre-formed cheese sticks.
Are these suitable for a keto diet?
You can make them keto-friendly by using almond flour and crushed pork rinds for breading instead of traditional flour and breadcrumbs.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, spray the breaded sticks lightly with cooking oil before baking.
Can I use turkey slices instead of ham?
Absolutely. Turkey slices work just as well and offer a slightly milder flavor.
How do I make these spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the beaten egg mixture, or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese sticks are a surefire way to delight everyone at the table. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or satisfying your cheesy cravings, these ham and cheese sticks deliver in every way. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Ham and Cheese Sticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Quick, cheesy, and crispy ham and cheese sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Featuring a golden-brown breading and gooey cheese wrapped in savory ham, they’re perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
- Ham slices: 8–10 slices (thinly sliced, large enough to wrap around cheese sticks)
- Cheese sticks: 8–10 (mozzarella, cheddar, or preferred cheese)
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (plain or seasoned)
- Oil for frying: Enough for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Lay out the ham slices and cheese sticks. If needed, cut the cheese sticks to fit within the ham slices.
- Wrap the Cheese: Roll each cheese stick in a ham slice, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat for all.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Bread the Sticks: Roll each ham-wrapped cheese stick in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps (double coating).
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Sticks: Fry the breaded sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Customizations: Try different cheeses (e.g., gouda, Swiss) or substitute ham with turkey or prosciutto for variety.
- Baked Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Freezing Option: Freeze uncooked sticks; fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American, Kid-Friendly
Keywords: Ham and cheese sticks recipe Crispy appetizer idea Easy cheesy snacks Game day snacks Ham-wrapped cheese
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