Save A decadent twist on the classic grilled cheese: crispy mozzarella sticks nestled between layers of melty cheese and golden bread, pressed until irresistibly gooey. This easy-to-make dish brings a crunchy and cheesy upgrade to a beloved comfort food staple, perfect for any time of day.
Save Whether you are looking for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or a late-night treat, this mozzarella stick grilled cheese delivers bold flavors and a satisfying cheese pull in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 mozzarella sticks (frozen or homemade, cooked according to package directions)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 slices white or sourdough bread
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Step 2
- Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Step 3
- Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet.
- Step 4
- Layer 2 mozzarella cheese slices on each bread slice, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella over each.
- Step 5
- Arrange 2 cooked mozzarella sticks on top of the cheese layer on each sandwich.
- Step 6
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Step 7
- Grill sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Step 8
- Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a crispier crust, use mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread. Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula during grilling helps the cheese melt and binds the mozzarella sticks to the bread.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap out white bread for whole grain or sourdough for a different texture. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper inside the sandwich before grilling.
Serviervorschläge
After removing the sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for 1 minute to allow the cheese to set. Slice them diagonally and serve immediately with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Save This Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese is a fun, decadent meal that takes American comfort food to the next level. Serve it warm and enjoy the ultimate cheese pull.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh mozzarella sticks instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh mozzarella sticks work wonderfully. If using fresh, freeze them for at least 2 hours before cooking, then fry or bake according to your preferred method until golden and crispy before assembling the sandwich.
- → What's the best way to prevent the bread from burning?
Keep your skillet or griddle at medium heat rather than high. Medium heat gives the cheese time to melt while the bread toasts to golden brown. Press gently with a spatula and watch closely during the first minute.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy mozzarella with plant-based mozzarella alternatives and use vegan butter for spreading. Ensure your mozzarella sticks are also dairy-free, though they may not achieve the same melt and stretch as traditional cheese.
- → Why should I let the sandwich rest before slicing?
Resting for 1 minute allows the melted cheese to set slightly, preventing it from spilling out when you slice. This helps maintain the sandwich's structure and creates cleaner portions.
- → What dipping sauces pair well besides marinara?
Try warm garlic butter, pesto, roasted red pepper sauce, or sun-dried tomato aioli. Creamy sauces complement the crispy exterior while enhancing the gooey cheese layers inside.
- → How do I reheat leftovers without drying the bread?
Wrap the sandwich in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or use a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread soggy and cheese unevenly heated.