Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese combines crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce for the ultimate cheesy comfort food. It’s an easy twist on a classic grilled cheese that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

A close-up of a toasted sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing two thick slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a rough texture. Inside there are two layers of crispy, golden fried pieces coated with a bright red tomato sauce, and between them a thick layer of melted white cheese stretching out in gooey strings. The sandwich sits on a white plate with some melted cheese and sauce spilling over, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 frozen mozzarella sticks
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread
  • ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bake mozzarella sticks according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. Keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
  3. Step 3: Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer each with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, 4 cooked mozzarella sticks, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce.
  4. Step 4: Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
  5. Step 5: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  6. Step 6: Remove sandwiches from heat, slice in half, and serve hot with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich before grilling.
  • Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Try swapping marinara sauce for pesto for a different and delicious twist.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted, or use a toaster oven for best results.

How to Serve

A toasted sandwich is cut in half and stacked, showing three layers inside. The top and bottom layers are golden toasted bread with a crispy texture and small air pockets. Inside, there are two layers of fried, golden brown breaded pieces. Each fried piece has bright red tomato sauce on top. Between these fried pieces and bread layers, thick white melted cheese stretches and pulls apart, curling down to the white plate below. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, just cheese, bread, and marinara sauce.

What type of mozzarella cheese works best?

Sliced mozzarella cheese that melts easily is ideal, such as fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella slices. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melting and texture.

Print
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Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Description

Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese is a deliciously indulgent sandwich combining crispy baked mozzarella sticks with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between buttery grilled Italian or sourdough bread. Served with marinara sauce, it’s a perfect comfort food snack or meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 8 frozen mozzarella sticks

Cheese and Bread

  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare mozzarella sticks: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen mozzarella sticks according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy. Once done, keep them warm while preparing the sandwiches.
  2. Butter the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
  3. Assemble sandwiches: Lay two slices of bread on a clean work surface, buttered side down. On each slice, layer two slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by four cooked mozzarella sticks, and then spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over the sticks.
  4. Top sandwiches: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top of each assembled sandwich, buttered side up to ensure a crispy exterior after grilling.
  5. Grill sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
  6. Serve: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet, slice each in half, and serve hot with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure the mozzarella sticks are fully baked and crispy to avoid them becoming soggy inside the sandwich.
  • Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the sandwich.
  • If preferred, substitute marinara sauce with any favorite tomato sauce or pesto for variation.
  • For extra crispiness, cook the sandwich in a pan with a little bit of olive oil instead of butter.
  • Use a spatula to gently press the sandwiches during grilling to help the cheese melt evenly and the bread to crisp nicely.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, mozzarella sticks, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe, marinara dipping sauce

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