Cheese Sticks: Best Sauces To Dip And Enjoy

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, but what sauce should you pair them with? The classic choice is marinara sauce, with its rich tomato base, enhanced by garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. However, there are many other options to consider. For a tangy twist, try barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for a sweet and zesty kick. If you're a fan of spice, why not opt for buffalo sauce or chipotle sauce? For a more indulgent experience, try creamy garlic sauce, alfredo sauce, or even blue cheese sauce. Don't forget about ranch dressing, a crowd-pleasing favourite, or the unique flavour of pesto. With so many options, you can elevate your mozzarella stick game and find the perfect sauce to suit your palate.

Marinara sauce

A basic marinara sauce can be made with just five ingredients: garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, tomato sauce, and olive oil. Some recipes also include onion powder, Italian herb seasoning, and hot red pepper flakes for added spice.

To make the sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté until they are browned, then remove them from the pan and discard. Stir in the basil and oregano, infusing the olive oil with their flavour. Next, add the tomato sauce and any desired spices or seasonings, and simmer until the flavours have blended. The sauce can be served warm or cooled and stored in the refrigerator.

Honey mustard sauce

The sauce is easy to make and can be prepared in just a few minutes. The basic ingredients are honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar, with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The type of honey used can be adjusted based on preference and availability; while raw honey is ideal, regular honey or even maple syrup can also be used. The sauce can be made in larger batches and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, honey mustard sauce can be customised by adjusting the proportions of honey and mustard to achieve the desired balance of sweetness and tanginess. Some also recommend mixing honey mustard sauce with marinara sauce for an extra flavour boost when dipping cheese sticks.

Ranch dressing

One recipe for ranch-flavoured cheese sticks combines softened cream cheese, mozzarella, and ranch seasoning, along with tomato sauce, to create a zesty flavour profile. The cheese mixture is then frozen, cut into sticks, coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. The result is a double dose of ranch flavour that takes cheese sticks to the next level.

Another recipe for ranch-flavoured cheese sticks involves coating frozen string cheese in a mixture of flour, egg, and ranch seasoning, followed by a second coating of egg and seasoned breadcrumbs. These sticks are then fried to a golden brown and served with a side of ranch dressing for the ultimate cheesy, crunchy bite.

For those who want a more subtle ranch flavour, regular cheese sticks can be dipped into a side of ranch dressing. This simple yet satisfying combination allows the creamy, tangy dressing to complement the crispy, gooey cheese without overwhelming its delicate flavour.

Whether used as a coating or a dipping sauce, ranch adds a savoury, herbaceous kick to cheese sticks that keeps people coming back for more. It's a versatile option that can be tailored to suit any preference, making it a popular choice for those seeking a delicious twist on a classic favourite.

Pesto sauce

Pesto is a great sauce to pair with cheese sticks. It is a versatile sauce that can be made with different herbs and nuts, and it is easy to make at home. The traditional basil pesto is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other ingredients like spinach, parsley, walnuts, or cashews.

Making pesto at home is simple and allows you to customise the flavour to your liking. All you need is a food processor or blender. Combine your chosen ingredients—for example, basil, pine nuts or cashews, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil—and blend until smooth. You can also add a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach to your pesto for some extra veggies without altering the flavour.

Pesto is a perfect match for cheese sticks because it offers a flavourful, tangy, and nutty contrast to the rich, gooey cheese. The combination of sweet basil pesto and melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

If you want to elevate your pesto cheese sticks, you can make a quick stovetop cheese sauce. Start by warming some heavy cream on the stove. Then, slowly whisk in shredded mozzarella, grated fontina, and parmesan cheese. Don't worry if the sauce becomes too thick; once you add the cooked pasta and pesto, it will thin out. Toss everything together, and you're ready to serve a delicious and indulgent meal.

Blue cheese sauce

Ingredients:

• Blue cheese (any variety will work, but harder cheeses are better than softer ones)
• Double cream (heavy cream)
• Banana shallots or regular shallots
• Butter
• Garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Black pepper

Method:

• Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped shallots and fry for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for a further 1 minute.
• Add the cream and blue cheese, and heat over a low heat, stirring often, until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and pepper.
• Serve immediately, or continue to cook over a low heat, stirring often, for a thicker sauce.

Tips:

• For a thinner sauce, add a dash of milk.
• For a chunkier sauce, crumble the blue cheese and mix it with a fork instead of using a food processor.
• If you want to make it ahead, cool and cover the sauce, then refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently over a low heat, stirring until piping hot.

Frequently asked questions