Ham and Cheese Sticks are a simple and tasty snack that brings together savory ham and melty cheese wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust. These little sticks are perfect for when you’re craving something warm and satisfying but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
I love making these because they’re so quick to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite types of cheese or ham. A little brush of butter or egg wash on top before baking gives them that beautiful shine and extra crispiness that I just can’t resist. Plus, they’re great for munching on while watching a movie or as a fun finger food at parties.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy ham and cheese sticks is alongside a bowl of tangy mustard or a mild dipping sauce. They’re also perfect for packing in lunch boxes or bringing to picnics because they hold up well and taste great even when they’re not piping hot. These sticks always bring a little smile to my face, and I’m pretty sure they will do the same for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Regular deli ham works well for wrapping, but if you want less salt, try low-sodium or turkey ham. Smoked ham adds a nice flavor boost too!
Cheese: String cheese or mozzarella sticks melt perfectly inside. For a sharper taste, you could use cheddar sticks, but mozzarella gives that classic gooey pull.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They create an extra crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, though the crust may be a bit less crunchy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the crust. You can skip it or substitute with Pecorino Romano in a pinch.
Cooking Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to get the best frying results without burning.
How Can I Get the Crispiest Ham and Cheese Sticks Without Oil Sogginess?
Here’s what helps achieve crispy, golden sticks that aren’t oily:
- Pat the ham and cheese dry before breading to help coatings stick better.
- Set up a proper dredging station: flour first, then egg, and finally the panko mix, pressing the crumbs firmly onto the sticks.
- Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) before frying. Too cool, and sticks absorb more oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil quickly.
Following these tips will get you crunchy, golden ham and cheese sticks with beautifully melted centers every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep skillet or pot – I recommend a good-sized one to hold enough oil for frying without spills.
- Thermometer – makes it easy to check the oil’s temperature and get that perfect crisp.
- Bowls for dredging – three shallow dishes for flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture keep the process smooth.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helpful for gently flipping and removing the sticks from hot oil.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil after frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix for extra heat.
- Herb boost: Mix chopped fresh parsley or basil into the breadcrumb coating for fresh flavor.
- Different cheeses: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby-Jack for a flavor twist.
- Extra crunch: Use seasoned panko or add crushed crackers or cornflakes to the coating for more texture.
Ham and Cheese Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 8 sticks of string cheese (or mozzarella sticks)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- Optional: marinara sauce or mustard for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes for frying, so you can have delicious, crispy ham and cheese sticks ready in about 20 minutes total. It’s quick and perfect for snacks or appetizers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Start by preparing three shallow bowls. Place the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning in the third. This setup makes it easy to coat each stick evenly.
2. Wrap Ham Around Cheese:
Take one slice of ham and wrap it snugly around a stick of string cheese, covering it fully so the cheese stays inside while frying.
3. Coat the Ham and Cheese Sticks:
Roll the wrapped stick first in flour, shaking off extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s coated all over. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.
4. Fry Until Golden and Crispy:
Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the sticks in the hot oil in batches, turning them to brown evenly for about 2-3 minutes. Work carefully so the coating stays intact.
5. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and place them on paper towels to drain any extra oil. Serve hot with your choice of marinara sauce or mustard for dipping.
Enjoy these warm, crispy ham and cheese sticks fresh from the pan—they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Cheese Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before wrapping with ham. This prevents the cheese from being too hard to roll and helps it melt evenly when frying.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through for even browning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to help maintain crispiness, rather than in the microwave which can make them soggy.
Can I Make the Sticks Ahead of Time?
You can prep and bread the sticks in advance, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to a few hours before frying or baking. This helps keep the coating crisp when cooked.