Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

These fried ham and cheese mozzarella sticks take the classic appetizer up a notch by wrapping creamy mozzarella in savory ham before coating them with a crispy Parmesan and panko crust. The result is a perfectly crunchy outside that holds the melty cheese inside while frying. A tangy balsamic Dijon mayo dipping sauce adds a punch that transforms these from a simple snack into a crowd-pleasing treat ideal for game days or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella sticks: low-moisture and part-skim recommended to avoid excess moisture, which helps with frying
• Thinly sliced ham: choose fresh deli slices or pre-packaged that are thin enough to wrap easily without cutting
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty flavor and helps create a crunchy crust
• Panko breadcrumbs: extra crisp texture that browns evenly
• Eggs: for the breading station to help the coating stick
• Vegetable oil: for frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil
• Balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard: combined into a tangy mayo-based dipping sauce
• Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and balances the tang of the vinegar and mustard
• Salt and pepper: to season the breading and sauce components

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slicing and Wrapping:

Take each mozzarella stick and wrap one slice of ham around it. You don’t need to cover the ends; just ensure the middle is snugly wrapped for even coverage and easy frying.

Breading Station Setup:

Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In separate bowls, combine the grated Parmesan with panko breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumb mixture lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the crust flavor.

Coating the Sticks:

Dip each ham-wrapped mozzarella stick first into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well.

Frying:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot with high sides to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Shallow fry the sticks, partially submerged, turning gently to ensure even browning. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Keep a close watch and remove when golden brown, usually 2 to 3 minutes. Overcooking leads to cheese oozing out, so timing is key.

Making the Dipping Sauce:

Mix mayonnaise with balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard until smooth. Adjust quantities to taste to balance creaminess and tang.

Serving:

Serve the fried ham and cheese sticks immediately with the balsamic Dijon mayo on the side for dipping to enjoy the contrast between the crunchy exterior and melty interior.

Pin it

Storage Tips

If you make these ahead, freeze the breaded sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed container or bag. When ready, fry from frozen, which helps keep the cheese from leaking. For leftovers, store fried sticks in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Prosciutto can replace ham for a more delicate, slightly sweeter flavor and thinner wrap. Just be mindful of salt content. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ham and increase the Parmesan for extra flavor in the crust. You could also add Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for a flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sticks with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. For a party platter, add an assortment of dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or honey mustard alongside the balsamic Dijon mayo.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of ham works best for wrapping?

Thinly sliced deli ham or prosciutto both work well. Use smaller pieces that easily wrap around the mozzarella sticks without cutting to avoid cheese leakage.

→ Why use low-moisture mozzarella?

Low-moisture mozzarella retains its shape better when fried, reducing softness and preventing excessive cheese oozing.

→ What oil temperature is ideal for frying?

Maintain the oil at around 350°F to achieve a crispy crust without burning. Shallow frying is recommended to cook evenly.

→ Can these sticks be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and freeze them up to two months ahead. Frozen sticks may require slightly longer frying to crisp through.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store fried sticks in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat in the oven to restore crispness and melt the cheese.

→ What does the Parmesan-panko crust add?

The crust provides extra crunch and helps seal the cheese inside, preventing it from oozing out during frying.