Mozzarella sticks make a delicious appetizer or side dish, but they can also be part of a complete meal. There are many options for entrees and sides that pair well with mozzarella sticks. Here are some ideas for full dinners featuring this popular appetizer.
Salads
A fresh salad is a great accompaniment for mozzarella sticks. The crunchy greens and vegetables complement the hot, gooey cheese sticks. Some salad ideas:
- Caesar salad – Romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing
- Greek salad – Mixed greens, feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and red onion with a red wine vinaigrette
- Spinach salad – Baby spinach, dried cranberries, feta, and sliced almonds with a raspberry vinaigrette
The tangy, acidic dressings help cut through the richness of the fried mozzarella for balance.
Pasta Dishes
Pasta and mozzarella sticks are a match made in heaven. The mozzarella provides the perfect creaminess to complement any pasta dish. Some pasta ideas:
- Baked ziti – Ziti pasta baked with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and grated parmesan
- Pasta primavera – Spiral pasta with fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peppers in a cream sauce
- Mac and cheese – Elbow macaroni in an ultra-cheesy cheese sauce topped with panko breadcrumbs
With so many pasta possibilities, you could enjoy a different combo every night of the week!
Pizza
Mozzarella sticks and pizza go hand-in-hand. Set up a DIY pizza bar with ready-to-bake pizzas, assorted toppings, and mozzarella sticks on the side. Some pizza topping ideas:
- Margherita – Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil
- Pepperoni – Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni
- Hawaiian – Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, and pineapple
The mozzarella sticks can be dipped in warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Burgers and sandwiches
Melty mozzarella sticks in the center of a burger or sandwich take it to the next level. Some options include:
- Cheeseburger – Beef burger patties topped with fried mozzarella sticks and any favorite burger toppings
- Buffalo chicken sandwich – Fried chicken cutlet tossed in buffalo sauce with mozzarella sticks on a bun
- Meatball sub – Meatballs and marinara sauce topped with mozzarella sticks on a hoagie roll
The mozzarella delivers an ooey-gooey cheesy element to your handheld meal.
Bacon-wrapped Appetizers
Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks take this appetizer up a notch. Try wrapping mozzarella sticks in bacon along with other appetizers like:
- Stuffed mushrooms – Cheese and breadcrumb stuffed mushroom caps
- Jalapeño poppers – Jalapeños filled with cream cheese
- Shrimp – Large shrimp
The saltiness of the crispy bacon complements the gooey mozzarella and other fillings.
Chicken Dishes
The mild flavor of chicken pairs nicely with fried mozzarella sticks. Some chicken ideas:
- Chicken parmesan – Breaded chicken breast topped with marinara and melted mozzarella
- Buffalo chicken tenders – Fried chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce
- Chicken cordon bleu – Chicken stuffed with ham and swiss cheese
The breading on the mozzarella sticks matches well with fried or breaded chicken entrees.
Seafood
Don’t forget about seafood and mozzarella sticks! The contrast of fish and shellfish with the cheesy sticks creates interesting flavor and texture combinations. Some seafood options:
- Fried shrimp
- Fish tacos – Top grilled fish tacos with mozzarella sticks
- Crab cakes
- Fried calamari
Dip the seafood in zesty cocktail sauce and serve the mozzarella sticks with warm marinara.
Egg Dishes
Looking for a lighter dinner? Eggs make a nice match for mozzarella sticks. Consider:
- Frittatas – Eggs baked with vegetables, cheese, and meat
- Quiche – Savory custard baked in a pie crust
- Breakfast for dinner – Eggs, bacon, toast
The eggs offer protein while keeping the meal simple to prepare.
Meat Dishes
Heartier meats also pair well with ooey-gooey mozzarella sticks. Some ideas include:
- Steak
- Meatloaf
- Pork chops
- Lamb chops
- Roast beef
The fatty, savory meats contrast nicely with the texture of the mozzarella for a satisfying meal.
Sides
Now for some side dish ideas to serve alongside mozzarella sticks!
- Breads – Garlic bread, biscuits, dinner rolls
- Potatoes – French fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato wedges
- Vegetables – Roasted, grilled, or steamed veggies like asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans
- Rice – White rice, risotto, fried rice
- Salad – Caesar, garden, Greek, spinach salads
These sides complement mozzarella sticks without overpowering them. Fill up on hearty potatoes, veggies, or bread.
Dessert
End your mozzarella stick dinner on a sweet note with a fun dessert!
- Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies are always a crowd pleaser
- Cookies – Bake fresh chocolate chip, peanut butter, or sugar cookies
- Ice cream – Scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream
- Cannoli – Italian pastries filled with sweet ricotta cream
- Tiramisu – Coffee-flavored Italian dessert with layers of cream and ladyfingers
These sweet treats balance the savory flavors of the cheesy mozzarella sticks.
Beverage Pairings
Don’t forget to pair your mozzarella stick dinner with a tasty beverage!
- Beer – Opt for lagers, pilsners, blonde ales, or wheat beers
- Wine – Pick a light, fruity red or an unoaked chardonnay
- Cocktail – A margarita, sangria, or bellini would complement mozzarella sticks well
- Iced tea – Unsweetened, sweet, peach, raspberry, or mint iced tea
- Lemonade – Classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or peach lemonade
Any of these beverages would pair nicely with a meal featuring mozzarella sticks as an appetizer or entree. The possibilities are endless!
Putting It All Together
Mozzarella sticks are so versatile, they can be incorporated into just about any meal. Try some of these delicious dinner ideas featuring mozzarella sticks:
| Main Dish | Side Dishes | Dessert | Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta primavera | Caesar salad | Tiramisu | Pinot grigio |
| Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers | Baked potatoes | Double chocolate chip cookies | Margarita |
| Chicken parmesan | Garlic bread | Cannoli | Riesling |
With a main dish, a couple of complementary sides, a sweet treat, and a beverage, you have everything you need for a complete dinner featuring everyone’s favorite – mozzarella sticks!
Conclusion
When it comes to dinners featuring mozzarella sticks, you are only limited by your imagination. This classic appetizer can be incorporated into all types of meals, from Italian classics like chicken parmesan and pasta primavera to American favorites like bacon cheeseburgers. With so many possible combinations, you could enjoy mozzarella stick dinners for weeks without getting bored!
Mozzarella sticks pair well with crunchy salads, hearty meats, flavorful seafood, gooey pastas, and more. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to create fun new mozzarella stick dinner ideas. Serve up this irresistible appetizer as part of a full meal for a comforting, indulgent dinner that will have everyone begging for more.