Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy golden bread loaded with melted mozzarella sticks and marinara for a rich, comforting meal.

# 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

# Cooking steps:

01 - Bake the mozzarella sticks following package instructions 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. Layer each with 2 mozzarella cheese slices, 4 cooked mozzarella sticks, and 2 tablespoons marinara sauce.
04 - Top each with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese melted.
06 - Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It transforms a lunchbox staple into something genuinely impressive without requiring any fancy skills.
  • The marinara sauce cuts through all that richness in the most satisfying way.
  • You'll finish it in twenty minutes flat, but people will think you spent your whole day cooking.
02 -
  • Don't skip pre-baking the mozzarella sticks; cooking them from frozen means they'll burst or stay cold inside while the outside chars.
  • Medium heat is your friend here—I learned this the hard way when I turned the burner up to save time and ended up with blackened bread and cold cheese in the middle.
  • The marinara sauce makes or breaks this sandwich; it needs to be flavorful enough to taste distinctly tangy against all that melted cheese.
03 -
  • Slice your mozzarella sticks in half lengthwise before assembling if you want more even cheese distribution; it also reduces the risk of them bursting out the sides.
  • A light weight on top of the sandwich as it cooks—even just your hand pressing gently—creates better cheese melt and crisper bread without requiring a heavy panini press.
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