Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Golden bread, melted mozzarella sticks, and tangy marinara combine for a delicious handheld meal.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy & Cheese

01 - 8 frozen mozzarella sticks
02 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese

→ Bread

03 - 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread

→ Sauces

04 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping

→ Butter & Oil

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Bake frozen mozzarella sticks according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Keep warm.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer each with 2 slices mozzarella cheese, 4 cooked mozzarella sticks, and 2 tablespoons marinara sauce.
04 - Top each with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
06 - Remove from heat, slice sandwiches in half, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes ordinary grilled cheese and transforms it into something that feels like party food but works perfectly for Tuesday dinner
  • The crunch from the mozzarella stick coating against the melted cheese inside creates this insane texture combo
02 -
  • Dont skip baking the mozzarella sticks first, or youll end up with sad, soggy sticks inside your sandwich
  • Low and slow wins the race here. Too high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts
03 -
  • If your cheese sticks are still frozen solid when you try to slice the sandwich, pop the whole thing in the microwave for 10 seconds
  • A panini press works amazingly well if you want those restaurant style grill marks
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