Dinner

Fried Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

ByIsabella Vance November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

These Fried Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy golden breading with savory ham and gooey melted cheese for a delicious snack or appetizer. Perfect for sharing, they come with a tangy dipping sauce that complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Several golden-brown crispy fried sticks with a rough, crunchy texture are arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a small clear round bowl filled with smooth, creamy beige dipping sauce with subtle specks. A woman's two hands are breaking one stick apart, revealing stretchy, melted white cheese in the middle with a pink layer beneath it, showing the inside of the fried stick. Some crumbs are scattered around the sticks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2 1/2 oz Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
12 mozzarella cheese sticks
12 thin slices deli ham
4 cups vegetable oil
Flaky sea salt
6 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the flour into a shallow bowl large enough to fit a mozzarella stick. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of ham, allowing the ends of the cheese to be slightly exposed. Arrange the wrapped sticks on a plate or baking sheet. Dredge each stick in flour, shaking off excess, then coat in egg, letting any extra drip off. Roll in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. Dip again in the egg and Parmesan mixture for a double coating. Repeat for all sticks.
Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a deep-fry thermometer). Working in batches, fry the mozzarella sticks, turning occasionally with tongs, until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper to make the dipping sauce.
Step 5: Transfer the fried ham and cheese sticks to a serving platter and serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure the oil stays at a steady 350°F while frying to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks.
Try swapping the ham for prosciutto or turkey slices for a different flavor profile.
Serve with marinara sauce as an alternative dipping option for a classic touch.

Storage

Store any leftover fried ham and cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of golden-brown crispy croquettes on a white marbled surface, with one croquette broken open to reveal a melted white cheese layer wrapped in a pink ham layer inside a crunchy, textured outer coating. The croquettes are arranged around a clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, light beige dipping sauce speckled with black pepper. The rough, crumbly texture of the outer layer contrasts with the soft, gooey cheese inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and bread the sticks a few hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, though panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture. Crushing saltine crackers or cornflakes can also work as alternative coatings.