Ham and Cheese Sticks (Printable)
Golden fried bread rolls stuffed with ham and mozzarella, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs for ultimate crunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 12 slices cooked ham, thinly sliced
02 - 12 sticks mozzarella cheese (approximately 1 x 1 x 0.5 inches 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 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ For Frying
11 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
# How To Make It:
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. Position a mozzarella stick along one edge of the bread.
03 - Roll up each bread slice tightly, starting from the cheese end, ensuring the ham and bread completely enclose the cheese.
04 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
05 - In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
06 - Dip each roll into the egg wash, covering completely. Then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
07 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 350°F. Maintain temperature throughout frying.
08 - Fry the sticks in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.
09 - Allow the sticks to cool for 2 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They come together in thirty minutes flat using basic ingredients you probably have in your fridge right now
- The crispy exterior gives way to gooey melted cheese and salty ham in every bite
02 -
- Cold cheese sticks resist melting so let them sit out for fifteen minutes before rolling
- Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy instead of crispy
03 -
- Freeze uncooked sticks for up to two weeks and fry straight from frozen, just add an extra minute
- Double the breadcrumb coating by dipping in egg, then crumbs, then egg again, then crumbs for extra crunch