Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

# What you'll need:

→ Dairy & Cheese

01 - 8 frozen mozzarella sticks

02 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese

→ Bread

03 - 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread

→ Sauces

04 - ½ cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping

→ Butter & Oil

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Cook mozzarella sticks according to 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, on a clean surface. Layer each with 2 slices mozzarella cheese, 4 cooked mozzarella sticks, and 2 tablespoons marinara sauce.

04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

06 - Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

It's basically comfort food meeting itself in the middle—crispy bread hugging warm, melty cheese like an edible hug.
Takes less time than ordering delivery but tastes like you actually tried, which is the real win.

02 -

The butter-side-down method matters—it sounds backwards until you realize it's the only way to get an even golden crust without the bread absorbing all the heat before the cheese melts.
Don't skip the 30-second rest after cooking; it gives the fresh cheese time to set just enough so it doesn't pour out the moment you cut into it, though some ooze is actually the goal.

03 -

If your mozzarella sticks tend to burst, let them cool for 2–3 minutes after baking before building the sandwich—they'll be just as warm inside the hot pan but less likely to explode.
Pressing gently (not hard) while cooking helps the bread toast evenly without squeezing all the cheese out prematurely, so use a light touch.