Save The first time I made this was during a snow day when my youngest declared she was too bored for regular grilled cheese but too hungry to wait for delivery. We had a bag of frozen mozzarella sticks in the freezer and I thought why not sandwich them between buttery bread. The kitchen smelled like a pizzeria and the crunch when we bit in was electric.
I made these for our annual March Madness watching party last year and they disappeared before the first timeout ended. My brother in law who never comments on food actually asked for the recipe and now he makes them for his kids every Friday night.
Ingredients
- 8 frozen mozzarella sticks: The frozen ones work best here because they hold their shape during cooking and create that satisfying crunch when you bite through the bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese: This bridges the gap between the mozzarella sticks and creates that ridiculous cheese pull everyone loves
- 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread: These sturdy breads stand up to the filling without getting soggy and develop the most beautiful golden crust
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have it because the tangy tomato flavor cuts through all that rich cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened: Buttering the bread exterior creates that crispy golden crunch that makes grilled cheese irresistible
Instructions
- Bake the mozzarella sticks:
- Cook them according to the package until theyre golden and crispy because this step is crucial for getting that crunch in every bite
- Prepare the bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice and set them buttered side down on your cutting board or counter
- Layer the filling:
- On two slices place mozzarella cheese first then arrange four cooked mozzarella sticks on top and drizzle with marinara sauce
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Top each with the remaining bread slices buttered side up and press down gently to help everything settle together
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a hot skillet over medium heat for three to four minutes per side pressing occasionally until the bread is golden brown and everything is melty
- Serve immediately:
- Cut each sandwich in half and bring extra marinara sauce to the table for dipping because everyone will want to double down on that flavor
Save These became a regular in our dinner rotation after the night my daughter came home from college with three friends and they all sat around the kitchen island dipping halves into sauce and talking until midnight. Food does that sometimes it turns a quick dinner into a memory.
Choosing the Right Bread
Sourdough gives you that tangy flavor and sturdy structure while Italian bread offers a softer interior with still plenty of crunch. Whatever you choose avoid sandwich bread because it will turn to mush under all these heavy ingredients.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add pepperoni slices for a pizza version or sprinkle red pepper flakes inside for heat. My neighbor uses provolone instead of plain mozzarella for a sharper taste that her family prefers.
Serving Ideas
A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances all that richness perfectly or serve them alongside tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. These also work as appetizers cut into smaller pieces.
- Let the sandwiches rest for two minutes after cooking so the cheese sets slightly and wont ooze out when you slice them
- Use a good quality marinara because it really does make a difference in the final flavor
- Keep the finished sandwiches warm in a 200 degree oven if youre making a big batch
Save Hope these bring as much cheesy joy to your kitchen as they have to mine.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the mozzarella sticks crispy inside the sandwich?
Baking the mozzarella sticks beforehand according to package instructions ensures they remain crispy after grilling.
- → What bread types work best for this preparation?
Italian or sourdough bread is ideal for a sturdy, flavorful base that crisps well when grilled.
- → Can I add seasonings to enhance flavor?
A pinch of Italian seasoning inside the sandwich adds a lovely herbaceous note complementing the cheese and marinara.
- → What’s the best way to prevent the bread from burning?
Use softened butter on the bread and cook over medium heat, pressing gently and flipping carefully to achieve even golden browning.
- → How can I serve this with a balanced meal?
Pairing the sandwich with a fresh green salad provides a light, crisp contrast to its rich, cheesy texture.