Description
Crispy, golden fried ham and cheese mozzarella sticks offer a delightful combination of gooey mozzarella wrapped in savory ham, coated in a crunchy double layer of Parmesan-panko breading, and served with a tangy mayo-Dijon dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these homemade sticks are easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating and Breading
- 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
- Flaky sea salt, to sprinkle
Main Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 12 thin slices deli ham
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Dipping Sauce
- 6 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations: Pour the flour into a shallow bowl large enough to fit a mozzarella stick. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until fully blended. In a third shallow bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
- Wrap and Bread the Cheese Sticks: Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of deli ham, allowing the ends of the cheese to be slightly exposed. Place them on a plate or baking sheet. Dredge each ham-wrapped stick in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll it in the Parmesan-panko mixture, gently pressing to make sure it adheres. Repeat the egg dip and Parmesan-panko coating to create a double-layer breading on all sticks.
- Heat Oil and Fry Sticks: Pour the vegetable oil into a large, heavy, high-sided skillet fitted with a deep-fry thermometer. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, gently place the breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil. Fry them for about 3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the sticks and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Arrange the fried ham and cheese mozzarella sticks on a serving platter and serve warm alongside the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F to achieve perfectly crispy sticks without absorbing excess oil.
- Double breading helps create a sturdy crust that keeps the cheese melted inside and prevents it from leaking during frying.
- Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid soggy bottoms and keep sticks crispy.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste, as mozzarella sticks can become less crispy if left to sit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick with ham
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
