Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy mozzarella sticks layered with melted cheese between buttered bread, pressed until golden and irresistibly gooey.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
02 - 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 4 mozzarella sticks, frozen or homemade, cooked according to package directions
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Bread

05 - 4 slices white or sourdough bread

→ Optional

06 - 1/4 cup marinara sauce for dipping

# Method:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the heated skillet.
04 - Place 2 mozzarella cheese slices on each bread slice, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella over each.
05 - Arrange 2 cooked mozzarella sticks on top of the cheese layer on each sandwich.
06 - Place remaining bread slices on top, butter side up.
07 - Grill sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes the comfort of grilled cheese and turns it into something that feels like a splurge from a pub menu
  • The crunch of the bread against the yielding mozzarella sticks creates the most satisfying texture contrast
02 -
  • Resist the urge to crank up the heat or the bread will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt completely
  • A good spatula press helps the bread make contact with the skillet for that restaurant quality crunch
03 -
  • Mayonnaise instead of butter creates an even crispier, more golden crust that stays crunchy longer
  • Let the mozzarella sticks cool slightly before assembling so they do not make the bread soggy
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