Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden toasted bread packed with melted mozzarella sticks, mozzarella slices, and savory marinara sauce.

# What you'll 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

# Method:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cheese on cheese: The mozzarella sticks stay gooey inside while the sliced cheese melts into the bread, creating layers of texture you don't get with a regular grilled cheese.
  • Marinara adds brightness: That tangy sauce cuts through the richness and keeps every bite from feeling heavy.
  • Ready in 20 minutes: This isn't a fussy recipe—it comes together faster than deciding what to order for delivery.
02 -
  • Don't skip letting the mozzarella sticks cool slightly: Pulling them straight from the oven and immediately sandwiching them risks the cheese bursting through the bread or being too hot to handle safely.
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable: I learned this the hard way when I cranked the heat to speed things up and ended up with charred bread and cold cheese inside—patience gives you the golden-brown exterior and melted interior you're after.
  • Marinara placement matters: Spread it on the cheese layer, not the bread, so it doesn't turn your sandwich into a soggy mess.
03 -
  • Prep the mozzarella sticks first: Get them baked and cooling while you butter and assemble the sandwiches so everything comes together at the right temperature.
  • Use a lid or cover: If the outside is browning faster than the cheese inside is melting, place a lid on the skillet for the last minute to trap heat and finish the job gently.
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