Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

# What You'll Need:

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

05 - 4 slices white or sourdough bread

06 - 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

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 skillet.

04 - Layer 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 - Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.

07 - Grill sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

08 - Remove from skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

01 -

The crunch from the mozzarella stick coating creates this incredible texture contrast against the soft melted cheese inside
It transforms frozen mozzarella sticks into something that feels like a restaurant quality appetizer but faster and cheaper
The marinara dipping sauce ties everything together in a way that makes you forget you are basically eating two comfort foods at once

02 -

Low and slow is better here because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese inside has time to get properly melty
The rest period is not optional it literally makes the difference between a sandwich that stays together and one that falls apart

03 -

Cook your mozzarella sticks until they are slightly extra crispy because they will soften up inside the sandwich
Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because the heat distribution creates the most even browning