Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Golden bread filled with melted mozzarella sticks, cheese, and tangy marinara, ready in 20 minutes.

# 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 - ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping

→ Butter & Oil

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes everything you love about mozzarella sticks and turns it into a handheld meal
  • The crunch from the fried coating meets the golden grilled cheese exterior in the best way
  • Perfect for those nights when you want dinner to feel like an indulgent snack
02 -
  • Dont skip baking the mozzarella sticks first or theyll be cold and chewy in the middle
  • Press gently when cooking so the bread makes contact without squeezing out all the sauce
  • Let the sandwiches rest for about a minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly before slicing
03 -
  • Low and slow heat prevents burning the bread before the cheese melts through
  • A cast iron skillet gives you the most even golden crust but any pan will work
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