Save to Pinterest The smell of frying mozzarella sticks in my tiny apartment kitchen during college brings it all back. My roommate and I were broke and craving comfort food after finals week. We grabbed a bag of frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer and stared at the sliced bread on the counter like it was a puzzle waiting to happen. What happened next was pure hungry genius stuffed between two slices of sourdough.
I made these for my younger brother when he came over to watch football last month. He took one bite, stared at the sandwich in his hands, and asked why nobody had thought of this sooner. Now he requests them every single visit.
Ingredients
- 8 frozen mozzarella sticks: The frozen ones work perfectly here because they hold their shape when heated through the bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: This melts around the mozzarella sticks creating that irresistible cheese pull in every bite
- 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread: Sturdy enough to hold everything together without getting soggy from the sauce
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Place this right on the sandwich so every dip of flavor stays inside where it belongs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened: Buttering the outside gives you that golden crispy crust you want in a grilled cheese
Instructions
- Get those mozzarella sticks ready:
- Bake them according to the package directions until theyre golden and crunchy all over.
- Butter your bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of every bread slice getting all the way to the edges.
- Build the sandwiches:
- Lay two slices buttered side down then layer with mozzarella cheese the cooked mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce.
- Top them off:
- Place the remaining bread slices on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and pressed gently.
- Serve them up:
- Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Save to Pinterest These became my go to when friends come over for casual game nights. Theres something about pulling apart a sandwich and finding crispy fried mozzarella inside that makes people feel like kids again.
Best Bread for the Job
Sourdough gives you a nice tang that cuts through all the cheese but Italian bread is softer and more traditional. I've used whatever was in the bread box and both work beautifully.
Sauce Strategy
Warm your marinara slightly before spreading it inside the sandwich. Cold sauce can make the cheese seize up a little and you want everything melted and working together.
Make It Your Own
Try sprinkling garlic powder or red pepper flakes inside for a little kick. I've added pepperoni slices before and it turned into a pizza mozzarella stick hybrid that disappeared fast.
- Freeze unbuilt sandwiches for quick lunch emergencies
- Use an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes per side if you want to skip the skillet
- Pair with a simple green salad to balance out all that rich cheese
Save to Pinterest Dont be surprised if this becomes your new comfort food craving. Some things are just meant to be stuffed between bread and enjoyed while hot.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure mozzarella sticks stay crispy in the sandwich?
Baking mozzarella sticks until golden and letting them cool slightly before assembling helps maintain their crispiness inside the sandwich.
- → Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?
Italian or sourdough bread works best, but whole-wheat or gluten-free bread can also be used for different textures and dietary preferences.
- → What is the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
Cooking the sandwich over medium heat and pressing gently ensures the mozzarella cheese melts evenly without burning the bread.
- → Are there seasoning options to enhance flavor?
Sprinkling Italian seasoning inside the sandwich adds a savory herbal note that complements the cheese and marinara sauce.
- → What sides pair well with this cheesy sandwich?
A fresh green salad balances the richness and adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey sandwich.