The Best Sauces To Compliment Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of sauces. While it is commonly used in Italian dishes, it can also be incorporated into other cuisines. For instance, a basic cheese sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, and mozzarella. This sauce can be enhanced with herbs or spices to add more flavour. Alternatively, a four-cheese sauce can be made with Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and Romano cheeses, which goes well with gnocchi, fettuccine, or any type of pasta. Mozzarella can also be used to make a creamy alfredo sauce, which is a perfect base for a simple fettuccine dish. However, it is important to note that soft cheeses like mozzarella may not be ideal for sauces as they melt into stretchy cheese.

Mozzarella Sticks

Marinara Sauce

A classic pairing for mozzarella sticks is marinara sauce. This timeless choice has a rich tomato base, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness. It complements the cheesy goodness perfectly. You can make it from scratch or buy a store-bought version.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

For a decadent dipping option, try a creamy garlic sauce. This velvety sauce is made with butter, garlic, and cream, providing a rich and savoury experience that pairs flawlessly with the mozzarella sticks.

Barbecue Sauce

Add a twist to your mozzarella sticks with tangy barbecue sauce. Its smoky flavour and slight sweetness will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese, resulting in a lip-smacking combination.

Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing lovers, rejoice! The cool and creamy goodness of ranch, with its blend of herbs and buttermilk, adds a refreshing element to the warm and indulgent mozzarella sticks.

Pesto Sauce

Bring a taste of Italy to your mozzarella sticks with zesty pesto sauce. Made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant sauce infuses your cheesy delights with a burst of aromatic flavours.

Honey Mustard Sauce

For a sweet and tangy option, dip your mozzarella sticks into a honey mustard sauce. The combination of smooth honey and zesty mustard creates a harmonious blend that will leave you craving more.

Spicy Options

If you like your snacks with a kick of spice, try a chipotle sauce or Buffalo sauce. Chipotle sauce adds a smoky heat to your mozzarella sticks, while Buffalo sauce gives them a fiery kick that's hard to resist.

Blue Cheese Sauce

For a unique and indulgent dipping experience, pair the creaminess of blue cheese sauce with the mild and creamy mozzarella sticks. Its bold and bright flavour is sure to be a show-stealer.

And More!

Other sauces that go well with mozzarella sticks include balsamic glaze, nacho cheese sauce, spicy ketchup, and even sweet options like raspberry or blackberry sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination!

Pretzel bites

How to Make Pretzel Bites

Making pretzel bites is easy. You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time or make the dough from scratch. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast (2–1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
• 2–1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

• Add the yeast and sugar to a large bowl. Pour the warm water over it and let it proof until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Whisk in the melted butter.
• Stir in the flour and salt until well combined. Use well-floured hands to form the dough into a moist ball.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Bring 7 cups of water and 1/3 cup of baking soda to a slight boil in a large pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 6 equal portions, about 1/2 cup each.
• Roll and stretch each portion of dough into a 20-inch rope with your hands. Cut the ropes into about one-inch pieces to make the pretzel bites.
• Gently place the pretzel bites into the hot baking soda solution for about 15 seconds. Transfer them to a wire rack.
• Transfer the boiled pretzel bites to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Whisk together one egg and 1 teaspoon of water. Brush the egg wash over the tops and sides of each pretzel bite and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
• Bake the pretzel bites until golden, about 12-14 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.

How to Make Cheese Sauce

A simple cheese sauce is the perfect companion for pretzel bites. Here's a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk, plus more if needed
• 8 ounces of cheese, cut into smaller pieces (cheddar, American, or mozzarella)

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and then slowly whisk in the milk. Continue whisking until it comes to a slight simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and add in the cheese. Stir until melted.
• Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat. If the sauce thickens, whisk in additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin it out.

Nachos

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that go well with mozzarella nachos:

Marinara Sauce

A classic combination for mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce is a tomato-rich, juicy option that complements the cheese well. It is simple to make at home with basic ingredients like olive oil, garlic, tomato sauce, and herbs.

Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is a thick, creamy sauce made by blending hot sauce with butter or fat, resulting in a smoother and richer texture than traditional hot sauce. The richness of buffalo sauce pairs well with the crispiness and chewiness of nachos.

Hot Sauce

Made from chilli peppers, hot sauce adds a spicy kick to mozzarella nachos while balancing the creaminess of the cheese. The base of the hot sauce may include fruits or vegetables, providing an intriguing flavour profile. Various seasonings and spices add depth to the sauce.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a cucumber-yogurt dip or sauce that originates from Southeast Europe and the Middle East. The yogurt base adds a cool, refreshing element to the sauce, while spices and herbs provide a hint of flavour. Tzatziki is an excellent choice for a summer snack.

Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce

Made from dried chilli flakes, Thai sweet chilli sauce offers a unique blend of sweet, spicy, and sour notes. The intense flavour and velvety texture of this sauce create an explosion of flavours that complement the cheesy texture of nachos.

Additional Ideas

• Regular or flavoured mayonnaise
• Honey mustard sauce
• Ranch sauce
• Salsa
• Hollandaise sauce
• Alfredo sauce

Baked potatoes

A great sauce to pair with mozzarella cheese is a garlic bechamel sauce. This can be made by sauteing garlic in butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk. This creamy, garlicky sauce is the perfect base for baked potatoes with mozzarella.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons of butter, cubed
• 1 cup of mozzarella, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan, freshly grated
• Salt
• Milk

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Peel and cut the potatoes into halves or quarters.
• Boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return to the pot.
• Add the garlic, butter, salt, milk, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the potatoes.
• Beat all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
• Oil an 8x8 inch pan and spread the potato mixture evenly into the pan.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and puffed up.
• Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a more substantial dish, layer sliced tomatoes and potatoes with mozzarella and garlic, and sprinkle with Romano cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the cheese is melted and golden.

Alternatively, for a crispy, cheesy topping, layer sliced potatoes with a garlic bechamel sauce and mozzarella, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake, removing the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

For a more indulgent dish, try a mashed potato bake with mozzarella. This has a crispy, browned top and a soft, fluffy interior.

Mozzarella and potato are a perfect pairing, and these bakes are a great side dish for a variety of meals.

Broccoli

This sauce goes well with steamed, roasted, or raw broccoli. You can also make a broccoli and cheese casserole by pouring the sauce over broccoli florets and topping with breadcrumbs and more cheese before baking in the oven.

For a more indulgent option, try penne and broccoli with fresh mozzarella. Cook the pasta in salted water, then sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Toss the cooked broccoli into the pan with the onions and garlic, then drain the pasta and add it to the broccoli mixture. Stir in the fresh mozzarella until melted, and serve with grated Romano cheese.

There are also many other sauce options that go well with broccoli, such as teriyaki, creamy garlic parmesan, lemon butter, honey garlic, and more.

Frequently asked questions