Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

This mozzarella stick grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food when you want something fast that feels gourmet. You get gooey cheese pulls and crispy bread with a rich Italian marinara for dipping. It is decadent enough for a treat but so easy you can whip it up for a weekday lunch. When I made this for a movie night, it disappeared before the opening credits were over.

I first made this as a lazy Friday night snack with leftover mozzarella sticks. Now whenever I want to impress with very little effort I turn to this hearty twist on grilled cheese.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese slices: give that creamy melty cheese layer that stretches beautifully Try to choose whole milk mozzarella for the richest flavor and best melt
• Mozzarella sticks: add both crunch and that stretchy cheese core You can use frozen or homemade ones but look for crispy breading and avoid ones with additives
• Unsalted butter: helps get that golden crisp exterior on the bread Let it soften for easier spreading and always check for quality by giving it a quick sniff there should be no off smells
• Thick sliced white or sourdough bread: holds up to all the cheese and filling Choose bread that is at least half an inch thick for best structure and texture
• Marinara sauce: brightens and tangy richness for dipping Choose one made with real tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil for the most flavor Some even add red pepper flakes for a slight kick
• Salt and pepper: help bring out the flavor of all the cheese and bread Use freshly ground pepper if you can for some nice bite

Instructions

Preheat and Crisp the Mozzarella Sticks:

Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred twenty degrees Celsius Arrange mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake following package instructions usually around eight to ten minutes Make sure they are deeply golden and crispy on the outside

Butter the Bread:

Spread a generous layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread Make sure you get all the way to the edges to guarantee crispness every bite

Start the Bread and Cheese Layer:

Place a skillet on medium heat and once warm lay your bread slices butter side down directly onto the pan Immediately top with two slices mozzarella cheese each Spread out the cheese so it will melt evenly

Add the Hot Mozzarella Sticks:

When mozzarella sticks are out of the oven and still hot place two on top of the cheese of each sandwich Press them in gently so they nestle into the melting cheese Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on the cheese layer if you like

Finish with the Top Bread:

Lay the remaining bread slices over each sandwich with the buttered side facing up

Grill the Sandwiches:

Let each sandwich cook for two to three minutes until golden brown and crisp then carefully flip and press gently with a spatula Continue cooking another two to three minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted inside

Cool Slightly and Slice:

Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a cutting board Let them sit for one or two minutes to avoid burning yourself Slice each sandwich in half for easy dipping

Serve with Marinara:

Ladle marinara sauce into a bowl and serve sandwiches immediately for dipping

Save

Every time I make this my family gets excited about the scent alone I have a soft spot for freshly baked sourdough with mozzarella so this recipe always brings back memories of baking bread with my grandmother

Storage Tips

This sandwich is best served hot and fresh but leftovers can be cooled and wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container Refrigerate for up to two days Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results If you have extra marinara sauce store separately and warm before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the mozzarella with provolone or scamorza for a slightly sharper flavor If you do not have thick white or sourdough bread try brioche or even multigrain Just make sure it is sturdy enough not to fall apart Cheddar sticks work in a pinch for a different take

Serving Suggestions

Pair this decadent sandwich with a fresh green salad to cut richness Tomato soup is a classic partner or serve alongside roasted veggies for a more substantial meal For a party cut each sandwich into strips for finger food dipping

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches have been beloved in American homes for generations Adding mozzarella sticks amps up the nostalgia and gives a nod to Italian American flavors The marinara dip makes this feel a bit like both a diner classic and a pizzeria snack

Seasonal Adaptations

You can add slices of ripe tomato or roasted red peppers in the summer For fall and winter add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil right before grilling Try dipping in a pumpkin or butternut squash soup when tomatoes are out of season

Save

The cheese should be bubbling before you flip the sandwich when grilling Freshly grated mozzarella is even meltier than pre sliced Stale bread can be revived in this recipe by buttering generously

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the bread crisp and golden?

Use softened butter on the bread and cook over medium heat, pressing gently to achieve a golden crust.

→ Can I make this with homemade mozzarella sticks?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought mozzarella sticks both work well. Just bake until crispy before adding.

→ What bread works best for this dish?

Thick white or sourdough bread holds up well to the cheesy filling and crisps nicely, but any robust loaf can be used.

→ Is there a sauce pairing suggestion?

Warm marinara sauce is ideal for dipping and enhances the cheesy, savory notes of the sandwich.

→ Can extra toppings be added?

Yes—try Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or garlic butter for more depth of flavor inside the sandwich.