Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy bread layered with melted mozzarella and marinara for a warm, cheesy delight.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven or air fryer and bake mozzarella sticks following package directions until golden and crispy. Keep warm.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly 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 - Cover each assembled sandwich with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the pan, cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The mozzarella sticks stay gooey and almost custard-like inside while the bread gets shatteringly crisp.
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means it hits the table faster than you'd expect for something this decadent.
  • It tastes like comfort food and a little bit of indulgence had a beautiful meeting.
02 -
  • If your mozzarella sticks aren't fully crispy on the outside before assembly, they'll leak melted cheese all over the pan and create an oily mess that's hard to recover from.
  • The bread has to be at room temperature when you butter it, or the butter won't spread evenly and some bites will be dry while others are overdressed.
03 -
  • Freezing the mozzarella sticks for an extra hour before baking makes them crisp outside while staying creamy inside, and they hold together better during cooking.
  • If you're worried about the sandwich falling apart, place a toothpick through the center before cooking—it holds everything stable and you can remove it before serving.
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