Ham and Cheese Sticks (Print version)

Golden crispy breaded sticks with ham and melted mozzarella inside

# What you'll need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 slices cooked ham, thinly sliced
02 - 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (approximately 1¼ x ½ x ½ inch 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 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ For Frying

11 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

# Method:

01 - Roll each slice of sandwich bread with a rolling pin until thin and pliable.
02 - Place a slice of ham evenly over each flattened bread slice. Position a mozzarella stick along one edge.
03 - Roll up tightly from the cheese end, ensuring the ham and bread completely encase the cheese.
04 - Whisk eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl until fully combined.
05 - Combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a separate shallow bowl.
06 - Dip each roll into the egg wash, covering completely, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
07 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 350°F.
08 - Fry sticks in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
09 - Allow sticks to cool for 2 minutes before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have
  • The crispy outside and gooey inside texture is absolutely addictive
02 -
  • Roll the bread as tightly as possible to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop and the sticks will become greasy
03 -
  • Freeze the cheese sticks for 15 minutes before coating to help them stay intact during frying
  • Let the coated sticks rest for 10 minutes before frying so the coating sets properly

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