Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A decadent twist featuring crispy mozzarella sticks nestled between layers of melty cheese and golden, buttered bread.

# What You'll 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 Make It:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It combines the satisfying crunch of fried mozzarella sticks with the nostalgic comfort of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich.
  • The whole thing comes together in about twenty minutes, which means you can go from craving to eating before the feeling passes.
  • Every bite has multiple textures happening at once, crispy bread, stretchy cheese, and that irresistible breaded center.
  • It feels indulgent enough to be exciting but uses ingredients you probably already have in your freezer.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non negotiable, high heat will char the bread while leaving the inside cold and sad.
  • Make sure your mozzarella sticks are fully cooked before you build the sandwich, reheating them inside isnt enough to get them hot and melty again.
  • Let the sandwich rest for that full minute or the cheese will slide right out the sides when you cut it, and youll lose all the magic.
03 -
  • Press gently with the spatula while grilling to encourage even contact with the pan, but dont smash it flat or the mozzarella sticks will pop out the sides.
  • If your skillet is big enough, cook both sandwiches at the same time so nobody has to wait and watch someone else eat.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich in half, a dull one will just squish everything out and make a mess.
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