Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

My college roommate stumbled into our dorm kitchen at 2am holding a bag of frozen mozzarella sticks and a loaf of bread, declaring she had discovered the greatest food combination known to humanity. I watched skeptically as she smashed everything together on our tiny hot plate, but one bite later and I was completely converted. Now it is my go to comfort food whenever life feels overwhelming or I just need something ridiculously indulgent.

I made these for my nieces last summer when they were having a particularly rough week, and the way their faces lit up when they bit into that first crispy cheesy layer was absolutely priceless. They now request them every single time they visit, and honestly I cannot blame them one bit.

Ingredients

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese: Use the good stuff here because it is the primary melty layer that holds everything together
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This fills in all the gaps and creates those irresistible cheese pulls
• 4 mozzarella sticks: Frozen works perfectly fine but homemade will blow your mind
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it spreads effortlessly without tearing the bread
• 4 slices white or sourdough bread: Sturdy enough to hold all that cheese without getting soggy
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce: Warm it up first because cold sauce on hot sandwich is just wrong

Instructions

Get your station ready:

Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat while you prep everything else

Butter your bread:

Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, going all the way to the edges

Start building:

Place two slices butter side down in the skillet, then layer 2 mozzarella slices and half the shredded cheese on each

Add the star:

Arrange 2 cooked mozzarella sticks right in the center of each sandwich

Top it off:

Place remaining bread slices on top, butter side facing up toward you

Get golden:

Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until the bread is deep golden and cheese is oozing out

The waiting game:

Let them rest for 1 full minute before slicing or all that cheese will escape

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These sandwiches became a Friday night tradition during my first year of teaching, when grading papers called for serious comfort food. Something about that combination of crunch and gooey cheese just makes everything feel better.

Choosing Your Bread

Sourdough adds this lovely tang that cuts through all the richness, while white bread gives you that nostalgic diner taste. Whole grain works too but might compete with the mozzarella stick flavor. Just avoid anything too soft or it will turn into a soggy mess.

Cheese Variations

Sometimes I throw in some provolone for extra depth or pepper jack when I want some heat. The key is using at least one cheese that melts really well because you want those cheese strings to stretch forever when you take that first bite.

Serving Suggestions

A simple side salad helps cut through all that cheese, but honestly these are rich enough to stand alone. If you are feeling fancy, some roasted tomato soup on the side takes it over the top.

• Warm your marinara in the microwave for 30 seconds
• Cut sandwiches on the diagonal for easier dipping
• Serve immediately while they are still super crispy

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Hope these bring you as much joy as they have brought me over the years.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes this sandwich special?

The addition of crispy mozzarella sticks creates an incredible texture contrast. You get the crunch from the sticks, gooey melted cheese, and golden toasted bread all in one bite.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Provolone or cheddar work well too, but mozzarella provides the best melt and stretch. Stick with mozzarella for that classic pull-apart experience.

→ What bread works best?

Sourdough adds tangy flavor and holds up well to grilling. White bread creates a classic diner-style sandwich. Just avoid overly thin slices that might tear.

→ Should mozzarella sticks be hot or cold?

Cook them first according to package directions, then add to the sandwich while still warm. This helps everything melt together perfectly.

→ How do I get the crispiest crust?

Use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread. It creates a beautifully golden, extra-crispy exterior that won't burn as easily.

→ Can I make these ahead?

They're best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is at its meltiest. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness.