Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Crispy mozzarella sticks nestled between buttery golden bread slices for an indulgent twist on a classic favorite.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
02 - 4 frozen mozzarella sticks
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices thick white or sourdough bread

→ Pantry

05 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce for serving
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
02 - While the mozzarella sticks bake, butter one side of each bread slice thoroughly.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place two bread slices butter-side down onto the skillet. Top each with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese.
04 - Once mozzarella sticks are cooked, place 2 hot mozzarella sticks on top of the cheese on each sandwich. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
05 - Top each with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
06 - Cook sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
07 - Remove from skillet and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its basically two comfort foods having the best night of their lives together
  • The contrast between crispy fried cheese and melted cheese creates pure magic
  • Ready in about 20 minutes but tastes like something from a diner that would charge fifteen dollars
02 -
  • Do not skip baking the mozzarella sticks first because they will not cook through properly inside the sandwich
  • Medium low heat is your friend here because you want the bread golden before the cheese stick filling loses its crunch
  • Pressing too hard will squeeze out all the cheesy goodness and nobody wants that tragedy
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and serious color development
  • Freeze your mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before baking so they hold their shape better inside the sandwich
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