Introduction
Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are a fun twist on the traditional fried appetizer. Instead of being breaded and deep-fried, these sticks wrap smoky slices of ham around gooey mozzarella, then bake until golden and melty. They’re lighter than classic mozzarella sticks but just as satisfying, making them perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick lunch idea.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Mozzarella sticks themselves are rooted in Italian-American cuisine, inspired by Italy’s long tradition of frying cheese. Over time, they became a staple in American diners, sports bars, and casual restaurants. Wrapping ham around cheese for baking represents a fusion of deli flavors with the comfort of gooey mozzarella—a snack that feels both familiar and a little inventive. It captures the spirit of playful, modern comfort food where convenience meets indulgence.
Ingredients Quantity
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 12 slices of deli ham (thin, but sturdy enough to wrap)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (optional spread)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Additions
- A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking for extra crispness
- Turkey or prosciutto instead of ham for variety
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
- A side of marinara sauce or honey mustard for dipping
Tips for Success
- Use low-moisture mozzarella sticks—they melt evenly without leaking too much.
- Roll ham tightly to fully seal the cheese inside.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unraveling.
- Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup and even browning.
- Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and doesn’t ooze out too quickly.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat mozzarella sticks dry with a paper towel (this helps them bake better).
- Lay out ham slices and spread a tiny bit of Dijon mustard or mayo if desired.
- Place one mozzarella stick at the edge of each ham slice, then roll up tightly.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and pepper on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until ham is lightly crisped and cheese is melty.
- Let rest briefly, then serve with dipping sauce.
Description
These baked ham and cheese mozzarella sticks come out golden with crisp edges from the ham and a molten, cheesy center that pulls apart perfectly. They’re savory, smoky, and creamy all at once—like a handheld fusion of deli favorites and classic appetizers.
Nutritional Information (per stick, approx.)
- Calories: 120–140
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1–2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: ~300mg
Conclusion and Recommendation
Baked Ham and Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are a lighter, no-fry alternative to a favorite snack food. They’re quick to assemble, easy to bake, and crowd-pleasing at gatherings. Pair them with marinara for a pizza-inspired snack, or with honey mustard for a deli-style twist.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Because they’re baked instead of fried, these mozzarella sticks already lean lighter than the classic bar snack. You can make them even more balanced by choosing leaner ham, part-skim mozzarella, and serving alongside fresh veggies and dip. This way, you can enjoy the melty indulgence guilt-free while still keeping things nourishing.