Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

The idea hit me during a late night craving when I spotted leftover mozzarella sticks from dinner and a half loaf of sourdough sitting on the counter. Something about combining the crunch of fried cheese with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich just made sense in that exhausted, hungry moment. The first bite was pure chaos string after string of molten cheese pulling everywhere but my roommate and I just laughed and kept eating.

I made these for a group of friends who were skeptical about the whole concept until they took their first bite. We ended up standing around the stove, eating them straight from the pan and burning our fingers because nobody wanted to wait for them to cool down.

Ingredients

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese: These create the essential melty layer that holds everything together dont skip them
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The shredded cheese fills in all the gaps and helps bind the mozzarella sticks to the bread
• 4 mozzarella sticks: Use frozen ones cooked according to the package or homemade ones already cooled and crispy
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads more evenly and gives you that golden restaurant style crust
• 4 slices white or sourdough bread: Sourdough adds a nice tang but white bread lets the cheese flavors shine through
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce: Warm this up while the sandwiches cook for that authentic dunking experience

Instructions

Get your station ready:

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and cook those mozzarella sticks according to the package so theyre crispy and ready to go.

Butter your bread:

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice getting all the way to the edges for maximum golden color.

Build the foundation:

Place two slices butter side down in the skillet then layer two slices of mozzarella on each followed by a sprinkle of the shredded cheese.

Add the star:

Nestle two cooked mozzarella sticks on top of each sandwich then crown with the remaining bread slices butter side facing up.

Press and grill:

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side pressing gently with your spatula until the bread turns golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to ooze out the sides.

The final touch:

Let them rest for exactly one minute so the cheese sets slightly then slice diagonally and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.

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This sandwich became a staple during our winter movie marathons. Theres something about pulling apart that first half and watching steam escape that makes everything feel right with the world.

Bread Matters More Than You Think

Ive tried every bread in the bakery and sourdough wins for structure and flavor. White bread is nostalgic but it can get soggy under all that cheese.

Temperature Is Everything

Medium low heat is your friend here. You want the bread to toast slowly while the cheese has time to melt completely without burning the exterior.

Sauce Secrets

Warm your marinara sauce while the sandwiches cook. Cold sauce shocks hot cheese and ruins the melty experience you worked so hard to create.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara for a little heat
• Garlic powder in the butter takes the crust to another level
• A dash of Italian seasoning between the cheese layers adds depth

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Make these on a rainy afternoon and thank me later. Theyre the kind of food that makes you glad you stayed in.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, cook the mozzarella sticks according to package directions beforehand and keep them warm. Assemble and grill the sandwich just before serving for the best texture and melting results.

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

White or sourdough bread are ideal, but you can experiment with whole grain or thick-cut bread for different textures. Thicker bread helps support the melted cheese and mozzarella sticks without falling apart.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?

Use medium heat rather than high heat, and press gently with a spatula while cooking. This allows the cheese to melt evenly as the bread toasts. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I use store-bought mozzarella sticks?

Absolutely. Follow the package instructions to cook them fully before adding to your sandwich. Pre-cook them so they're hot and ready to serve immediately after grilling.

→ What's the best dipping sauce for this sandwich?

Warm marinara sauce is classic and complements the cheese perfectly. You can also try garlic butter, pesto, or a simple Italian dipping oil for variety.

→ Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter?

Yes, mayonnaise creates an even crispier, more golden crust than butter. Spread it on the outside of the bread before grilling for superior browning and texture.