Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

A decadent twist on the classic: crispy mozzarella sticks nestled between melty cheese and golden bread.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
02 - 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 4 mozzarella sticks, frozen or homemade, cooked according to package directions
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Bread

05 - 4 slices white or sourdough bread

→ Optional

06 - 1/4 cup marinara sauce for dipping

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the heated skillet.
04 - Arrange 2 mozzarella cheese slices on each bread slice, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella over each.
05 - Place 2 cooked mozzarella sticks on top of the cheese layer on each sandwich.
06 - Cover with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
07 - Grill sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Every bite pulls apart in those stretchy cheese strings you dream about.
  • It takes under 20 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have.
  • The crunch of the mozzarella stick against the melted cheese inside is wildly satisfying.
  • It feels indulgent without requiring any fancy technique or hard to find ingredients.
02 -
  • Don't rush the heat, medium is key or the bread burns before the cheese melts.
  • Let the mozzarella sticks cool for just 30 seconds after cooking or they'll be lava hot and impossible to bite into.
  • Press gently with the spatula, don't smash, or you'll squeeze out all that beautiful melted cheese.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the bread an even, restaurant quality crust.
  • If your mozzarella sticks start to leak, don't panic, just press the sandwich together and let the cheese resettle as it cools.
  • Make extra marinara sauce, you'll want more than you think once you start dipping.
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