Description
Mozzarella magic brings classic ham and cheese together in crispy, golden perfection. Italian-inspired baked sticks deliver irresistible comfort with each delightful, cheesy bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 slices of deli ham (thinly sliced)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Spray:
- Cooking spray or olive oil mist
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella sticks by delicately enveloping each cheese stick with a slice of ham, ensuring a snug and complete coverage. Position the wrapped sticks on a clean surface.
- Establish a three-part breading station: populate one receptacle with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with a harmonious blend of panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, and fragrant Italian seasoning.
- Meticulously coat each ham-wrapped mozzarella stick by first rolling it through the flour, creating a delicate powdery layer. Immerse the floured stick into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then gently roll it through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing softly to guarantee an even, adherent coating.
- Transfer the coated sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and situate them in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes. This crucial chilling phase prevents cheese from escaping during the baking process and helps solidify the breading.
- Activate the oven and elevate the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing it to reach the optimal heat level for crispy transformation.
- Lightly mist the chilled sticks with cooking spray or olive oil to enhance their golden potential. Position them in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform crispness and an appealing golden-brown exterior.
- Once removed from the oven, permit the mozzarella sticks to cool momentarily. Serve alongside marinara sauce or your preferred dipping companion for a delectable culinary experience.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks is crucial to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking, creating a perfectly crispy exterior with a gooey cheese center.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best results, as it melts more consistently and helps maintain the stick’s structural integrity during cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring the same crunchy texture for those with dietary restrictions.
- Experiment with different ham varieties like prosciutto or black forest ham to add unique flavor profiles and elevate the classic mozzarella stick experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg