Mozzarella Stick Grilled Cheese

# Components:

→ Dairy & Cheese

01 - 4 frozen or homemade mozzarella sticks

02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices sandwich bread, white or sourdough recommended

→ Sauces & Seasoning

05 - 4 tablespoons marinara sauce, plus extra for serving

06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

# Directions:

01 - Cook mozzarella sticks according to package directions or your preferred homemade method until crisply golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

02 - Spread softened butter over one side of each bread slice. If desired, sprinkle garlic powder evenly onto the buttered surfaces.

03 - Arrange two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface. Spread 2 tablespoons marinara sauce onto the upward-facing side of each slice.

04 - Evenly distribute half of the shredded mozzarella over the marinara. Place 2 cooked mozzarella sticks atop each prepared slice. Scatter the remaining shredded mozzarella over the sticks.

05 - Lay the remaining bread slices over each stack, buttered side up, to form a sandwich.

06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium. Place sandwiches in skillet and grill 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing, until the bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.

07 - Slice each sandwich as desired and serve hot with additional marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

No one expects the mozzarella stick surprise inside — it's a major crowd-pleaser secret.
It's lightning-fast comfort food and delivers pure cheese pull happiness every single time.

02 -

If the mozzarella sticks go in cold, the cheese won't melt properly inside the bread — let them rest briefly after cooking.
Grilling low and slow is the move; too hot and you’ll burn the bread before the cheese inside gets gooey.

03 -