Ham and Cheese Sticks (Printable)
Golden crispy rolls with ham and melted cheese, ready in 30 minutes
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 12 slices cooked ham, thinly sliced
02 - 12 sticks mozzarella cheese (approximately 1 x ¼ x ¼ inch each, or string cheese)
03 - 12 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
→ Egg Wash & Coating
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 tablespoons milk
06 - 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
07 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ For Frying
11 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
# Directions:
01 - Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of sandwich bread until thin and pliable.
02 - Place a slice of ham evenly over each flattened bread slice, covering the surface completely.
03 - Position a mozzarella stick along one edge of the bread. Roll tightly from the cheese end, ensuring the ham and bread fully enclose the cheese.
04 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until thoroughly combined.
05 - In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to distribute seasonings evenly.
06 - Dip each rolled stick into the egg wash, turning to coat all sides. Transfer immediately to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to adhere the coating thoroughly.
07 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer to a depth of 2–3 inches. Heat to 350°F.
08 - Carefully lower the sticks into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
09 - Remove the fried sticks with tongs and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Let cool for 2 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- They come together in under thirty minutes using ingredients you probably already have
- The contrast between crispy breadcrumbs and melty mozzarella hits every craving at once
02 -
- Cold cheese resists melting so let it sit at room temperature while you prep
- Oil that is not hot enough makes soggy sticks while oil that is too hot burns the breadcrumbs before the cheese melts
03 -
- Double bread them by dipping in egg wash and breadcrumbs twice for extra crunch
- Let finished sticks rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy on all sides