Description
These Ham and Cheese Sticks are a delightful combination of crispy, golden-brown exteriors and creamy, melty cheese paired with savory ham. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich, savory flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz ham, finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped ham, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small sticks, about 3 inches long.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Dredge each stick in flour, dip in the egg, and coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat (about 350°F).
- Fry the sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the sticks and freeze them before frying. Just fry them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitutions: Use turkey or chicken instead of ham for a lighter option, or swap cream cheese for ricotta for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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