Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese (Printer View)

Crispy mozzarella sticks nestled between layers of melty cheese and golden bread for an irresistibly gooey sandwich.

# 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 softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the preheated skillet.
04 - Layer 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on each bread slice, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella over each portion.
05 - Arrange 2 cooked mozzarella sticks on top of the cheese layer on each sandwich.
06 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, 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, allow to rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns two comfort foods into one outrageously cheesy creation that feels like a guilty pleasure without any guilt.
  • The crispy coating of the mozzarella sticks adds unexpected texture inside the sandwich.
  • It comes together in twenty minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
  • Every bite pulls apart into those satisfying cheese strings that make you feel like a kid again.
02 -
  • The mozzarella sticks must be hot when you add them, or they won't melt properly into the sandwich and will stay firm in the center.
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable, if the heat is too high the bread will burn before the cheese melts, leaving you with a gorgeous outside and a cold, unmelted inside.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute before cutting, or all the cheese will pour out onto your cutting board instead of staying inside where it belongs.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with your spatula while it cooks, this helps the layers fuse and speeds up the melting process.
  • If your mozzarella sticks start to leak out the sides, your heat is too high or you're pressing too hard, ease up and lower the temperature.
  • Make a double batch and keep the finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest, they hold up beautifully for ten minutes.
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