Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Crispy golden bread layered with melted mozzarella sticks, cheese, and savory marinara sauce.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook mozzarella sticks according to package directions 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. Layer each with 2 slices mozzarella cheese, 4 cooked mozzarella sticks, and 2 tablespoons marinara sauce.
04 - Top each assembled layer with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from heat, slice sandwiches in half, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the comforting grilled cheese you grew up with, but every bite surprises you with crispy mozzarella sticks and tangy marinara.
  • Takes barely twenty minutes from bare countertop to melted masterpiece, making it perfect for those moments when regular cooking feels like too much.
  • Somehow tastes indulgent enough for company but easy enough that you won't hesitate to make it on a Tuesday night.
02 -
  • If your mozzarella sticks aren't fully cooked when you assemble the sandwich, they'll weep liquid all over the pan and turn your bread soggy instead of crispy—always bake them fully first.
  • The butter needs to be soft enough to spread thin, not so warm it melts; room temperature is your sweet spot for even, controlled coverage.
03 -
  • Buy mozzarella sticks you actually like eating because you'll taste every bite in this sandwich—cheap ones with weird filler will show themselves immediately.
  • Invest thirty seconds in spreading butter evenly on both bread slices; this single move is what separates a sandwich with crispy exterior from one with burnt patches.
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