Crispy Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

There’s something magical about melted cheese wrapped in flaky, golden pastry—especially when it’s paired with savory deli ham. These Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are everything you crave in a snack: crispy, cheesy, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to make.

I first whipped these up on a cozy Saturday afternoon when I was rummaging through the fridge looking for a quick, warm snack. I had puff pastry, some leftover ham, and a block of mozzarella—within 30 minutes, I had a tray full of gooey, golden cheese sticks that my whole family couldn’t stop eating.

These sticks are perfect for just about any occasion. They make a delightful after-school snack for kids, a fun finger food for game nights, or a fancy-looking appetizer for a holiday gathering. And best of all? You only need a handful of ingredients and no fancy techniques. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a total beginner, you’re going to love how effortlessly these come together—and how quickly they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to crowd-pleasing snacks, Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks check all the boxes. Whether you're craving comfort food, prepping for a party, or just looking for something fun to make on a lazy weekend, here’s why this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen:

Irresistibly Cheesy and Savory

The combination of melty mozzarella and salty deli ham is pure snack-time magic. As the mozzarella melts, it stretches and oozes inside the puff pastry, while the ham brings that meaty, smoky depth. Wrap it all in a buttery, crisp pastry shell and you’ve got the perfect bite—warm, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

Just a Handful of Simple Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe? You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.
Just six core items—plus a couple of optional add-ons—and you’re set. No need for complicated shopping lists or expensive specialty items. It’s budget-friendly and practical.

Super Easy to Make (Even for Beginners!)

This recipe is totally beginner-approved. There’s no dough to make from scratch, no frying involved, and no complicated steps. If you can roll, fold, and twist—you're good to go! Even kids can help assemble them, making it a great family activity.

Totally Customizable

You can easily make these your own. Don’t have ham? Try turkey or chicken. Want to spice things up? Add a few red pepper flakes or jalapeños. Prefer a different cheese? Swap in cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack. These sticks are a blank canvas for your flavor creativity.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these delicious mozzarella sticks. Most of these are everyday ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

Full List of Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  This is the flaky, buttery base that holds everything together. Make sure it’s thawed just enough to roll out but still cold to the touch for the best puff.

• 8 slices deli ham
  Go for thinly sliced, savory ham. You can use smoked, honey, or black forest ham depending on your taste. It adds that essential salty bite that complements the cheese perfectly.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Mozzarella is classic for its gooey, melty texture. You can use low-moisture shredded mozzarella for less mess or fresh for extra stretch.

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  This gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish. It also helps any toppings stick to the surface.

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
  These add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, plus a touch of visual flair.

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  A sprinkle of oregano brings in a warm, herby note that pairs beautifully with the ham and cheese.

💡 Tip: Want a little more zing? Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Italian seasoning to the cheese before baking!

How to Make Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks

These Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks come together quickly with just a few steps—and no special tools or techniques required. Whether you're prepping a quick afternoon snack or planning ahead for a party, you’ll love how easy and fun this process is.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the sticks from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

2. Lightly flour your work surface
   This helps keep the puff pastry from sticking. Roll out the sheet gently into a slightly larger rectangle if needed.

3. Layer the ham and mozzarella
   Evenly place the ham slices across the entire surface of the pastry, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Try to keep an even layer so every bite has that perfect cheese pull.

4. Fold the pastry over
   Carefully fold the pastry sheet in half (like closing a book), pressing gently to seal in the cheese and ham.

5. Cut into 1-inch strips
   A pizza cutter works great for this—quick, clean, and no pulling.

6. Twist each strip
   Gently twist each strip a few times and lay them on the prepared baking sheet. They don’t have to be perfect—rustic twists look great and taste even better.

7. Brush with egg wash
   This gives the sticks that golden, glossy finish. Add sesame seeds and oregano for flavor and texture.

8. Bake for 15–18 minutes
   Or until puffed and beautifully golden brown. You’ll smell the cheesy goodness wafting from your oven!

9. Let cool slightly and enjoy warm
   These are best served fresh while the cheese is still melty and gooey.

✅ Mini Tips:

• Chill the assembled twists in the fridge for 5–10 minutes before baking for extra puff.

• A pizza cutter makes slicing faster and neater!

What to Serve with These Mozzarella Sticks

These savory snacks are delicious on their own—but even better with a few well-paired sides and dips. Whether you’re putting together a party platter or a cozy meal, here are some perfect pairings.

Suggested Pairings

• Dipping Sauces:
  Marinara (for a pizza vibe)
  Garlic aioli (rich and creamy)
  Honey mustard (a sweet-savory balance)
  Ranch (always a favorite)

• Drinks:
  Sparkling water with lemon
  Iced tea or lemonade
  Light red or white wine for adult gatherings
  A cold glass of milk for the little ones

• Sides:
  Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
  Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers
  A warm bowl of tomato or cream-based soup

• Desserts:
  Chocolate mousse
  A tray of homemade cookies
  Fruit skewers for a refreshing bite after the cheese

These sticks also make a great brunch addition, nestled next to eggs or quiche!

Variations and Substitutions

What makes this recipe even better? It’s totally flexible. You can easily tailor it to suit dietary needs, preferences, or simply whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ham

Swap out the ham for thin slices of deli turkey or chicken for a leaner twist. It still pairs beautifully with mozzarella and gives the same satisfying bite.

Add Jalapeños or Chili Flakes

Spice lovers, rejoice! A few thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes layered in with the cheese will give the sticks a bold, zesty kick.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the meat entirely and go for a veggie-packed version. Try sautéed spinach, chopped sundried tomatoes, or thinly sliced mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

Gluten-sensitive or serving someone who is? Pick up gluten-free puff pastry (available in many specialty or health food stores) and follow the same steps.

Cheese Swap

Mozzarella is classic, but don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try:

• Gouda for a smoky note

• Sharp cheddar for tang

• Provolone for a more Italian twist

💡 Pro tip: Mixing two cheeses (like mozzarella + cheddar) gives a more complex, layered flavor!

Storage Instructions

Whether you're making a batch ahead of time or saving a few leftovers (if there are any!), these Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to eat them the same day, simply store the cooled sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. They’re best enjoyed within a few hours while the pastry is still crisp.

Refrigeration Tips

Got extras? Pop them in the fridge!

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crisp texture.

• Avoid microwaving if possible—it makes the pastry soggy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze these before or after baking!

• To freeze unbaked: Assemble the sticks and freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

• To freeze baked: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers.

When ready to eat, reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, no thawing needed!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few little tricks that make a big difference when baking these tasty twists:

• 🧊 Use cold puff pastry for the flakiest layers. Warm pastry gets sticky and doesn’t puff as well.

• 🧀 Don’t overload with cheese — too much can melt out during baking.

• 🧼 Always line your tray — trust me, melted cheese can stick and make cleanup a mess!

• ✨ For an extra golden finish, brush the sticks twice with egg wash: once before baking, once halfway through.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks, you might enjoy these other savory snacks and cheesy bites:

• Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels – A soft and chewy cheesy pretzel twist!

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – Hearty, flavorful, and family-approved.

• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks – The ultimate cheesy, meaty breadstick upgrade.

• Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Recipe – A quirky, comforting twist perfect for carb lovers.

• Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken – For those who love cheese-stuffed surprises.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions about Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks—with quick, helpful answers:

Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack are all great options. Each brings its own unique flavor and meltiness.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sticks and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Do I need to thaw puff pastry first?

Yes. Let the puff pastry thaw until it’s pliable but still cold. If it’s too soft, it can tear or become sticky.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Definitely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. They come out beautifully crisp and golden.

Are these good for kids’ lunchboxes?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap them up and pack in a lunchbox. They’re tasty at room temp and a fun alternative to sandwiches.

Conclusion

These Baked Ham Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple, versatile, and seriously delicious. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of warm, cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re making them for a party, a lunchbox, or a late-night snack, they’re always a hit. And the best part? You can customize them endlessly to suit your taste buds.

👉 If you try this recipe, leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram — I’d love to see your twist on these delicious ham and cheese sticks!

Print