A crispy, cheesy, and savory snack that’s easy to make and perfect for parties, game nights, or quick bites! These ham-wrapped cheese sticks are coated in a golden, crunchy crust and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.

---

📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

✔ 8 slices deli ham (thin but sturdy, like Black Forest or honey ham)
✔ 8 string cheese sticks (mozzarella for a gooey pull, or cheddar for sharpness)

Breading Ingredients

✔ 1 cup all-purpose flour
✔ 2 large eggs, beaten
✔ 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)

Seasonings

✔ ½ tsp garlic powder (adds depth!)
✔ ½ tsp paprika (for mild smokiness!)
✔ ½ tsp salt (enhances flavor!)
✔ ½ tsp black pepper (a hint of spice!)

For Frying

✔ Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying!)

For Dipping (Optional but Recommended!)

✔ Mustard, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara sauce

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sticks

1️⃣ Lay a slice of ham flat on a clean surface.
2️⃣ Place a cheese stick in the center of the ham slice.
3️⃣ Tightly roll the ham around the cheese, tucking in the sides to fully enclose the cheese.
4️⃣ Repeat for all 8 cheese sticks.

👉 Pro Tip: Use toothpicks to hold them in place while preparing the coating process!

---

Step 2: Coat the Sticks

📌 Set up three separate bowls:

• Bowl 1: Add flour.
• Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
• Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

✔ Dip each ham-wrapped cheese stick into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
✔ Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
✔ Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, crispy layer.

👉 Pro Tip: Double-dip (egg → breadcrumbs) for an extra crispy crust!

---

Step 3: Fry Until Golden Brown

1️⃣ Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully place the coated ham and cheese sticks into the pan.
3️⃣ Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4️⃣ Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

👉 Pro Tip: If baking instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F and bake on a lined baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through!

---

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

✔ Serve the warm ham and cheese sticks with your favorite dipping sauce:

• 🥣 Classic mustard (for a tangy kick!)
• 🧄 Garlic ranch dressing (creamy & herby!)
• 🍯 Honey mustard (sweet & savory!)
• 🍅 Marinara sauce (perfect for an Italian twist!)

---

🔥 Pro Tips & Variations

✔ Make It Spicy:

• Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick!
• Serve with spicy sriracha mayo or hot honey.

✔ Cheese Variations:

• Try pepper jack for a little spice!
• Use Colby Jack or provolone for a milder, creamier taste.

✔ Meal Prep Friendly:

• Assemble and freeze before frying.
• Cook directly from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes when frying or baking.

✔ Air Fryer Option:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
• Spray lightly with cooking spray and air-fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

---

⏳ Quick Recipe Recap

📌 Prep Time: 10 minutes
📌 Cook Time: 10 minutes
📌 Total Time: 20 minutes
📌 Servings: 4 (2 sticks per person)

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Crispy outside, gooey inside
✅ Quick & easy to make
✅ Great for kids & adults!
✅ Perfect for parties, snacks, or meal prep

---

📢 Try this recipe & let me know how it turns out! 🍽️ Share your dish using #HamAndCheeseSticks

Enjoy! 🧀🥓✨