Description
These Fried Ham & Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, gooey appetizer featuring mozzarella cheese wrapped in deli ham, coated in a Parmesan and panko breadcrumb double layer, then fried to golden perfection. Served with a tangy homemade Dijon-mayonnaise dipping sauce, they make a perfect party snack or indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating
- 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
Filling
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 12 thin slices deli ham
Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
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 coating stations: Pour flour into a shallow bowl large enough to fit a mozzarella stick. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until fully blended. In a third shallow bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, tossing to mix evenly.
- Wrap and coat mozzarella sticks: Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of deli ham, allowing the ends to remain slightly exposed. Place them on a plate or baking sheet. For each ham-wrapped stick, dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off. Roll in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well. For extra crispiness, dip again into the egg mixture followed by another coating of the Parmesan-panko mix to create a double-layer crust. Repeat this process for all sticks.
- Heat oil and fry sticks: Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy, high-sided skillet fitted with a deep-fry thermometer. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the coated mozzarella sticks, turning occasionally with tongs to ensure even browning. Fry for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and season: Transfer fried sticks to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still hot to enhance flavor.
- Make 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 alongside the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect crispiness without oil absorption.
- If mozzarella sticks are too long to dip easily, cut in half before wrapping and frying.
- Double coating ensures a thick, crunchy crust that helps contain the melted cheese during frying.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best gooey texture and crispiness.
- Swap vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
