Cheese Sticks: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Mozzarella sticks are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways and paired with numerous dishes. They are often served as an appetizer with marinara sauce or other sauces like toum, a garlic-based sauce, or pesto. Mozzarella sticks can also be paired with salads, such as a Caesar salad or a fresh tomato salad, to balance out the richness of the cheese. For a heartier meal, they can be served with steak and potatoes, or as a side with pesto pasta or pizza. They can even be baked into mac and cheese for an extra cheesy treat.

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Salads, such as a Caesar salad, Italian chopped salad, or potato salad

Salads are a refreshing option to serve as a side dish with cheese sticks. Here are some salad options:

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad typically includes crisp homemade croutons, shredded parmesan cheese, and a light Caesar dressing. To make the Caesar dressing, whisk together minced garlic, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the dressing with lettuce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and croutons. You can also add grilled chicken thighs to make it a more substantial meal.

Italian Chopped Salad

This salad is a fresh and healthy option, packed with bold flavors. It typically includes iceberg lettuce, radicchio, red onion, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, pearl mozzarella, provolone cheese, and pepperoncini. The contrast of soft mozzarella and firm provolone adds an interesting texture. The salad is dressed with a lemon vinaigrette made with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, shallot, garlic, and dried oregano. You can also add cubed Genoa salami or substitute it with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian option.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with cheese sticks. It typically includes tender potatoes, briny dill pickles, crunchy celery, and diced hard-boiled eggs tossed with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also add scallions, fresh parsley, or dill for extra flavor. To ensure the potatoes are perfectly tender, start them in cold water and simmer until fork-tender. Season the hot potatoes with vinegar for added tanginess. You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Soups, including tomato soup, tomato bisque soup, and chilli

When it comes to serving cheese sticks, soups are a popular option, with tomato soup, tomato bisque soup, and chilli all making excellent choices. Here are some ideas to consider:

Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a classic choice to serve with cheese sticks, offering a comforting and satisfying combination. To elevate this pairing, consider making homemade tomato soup, which can be easily prepared and is well worth the extra effort. Start by heating oil, butter, and pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots and onions, cooking until softened, then add garlic and dried basil. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering for 20-25 minutes. After blending the soup until smooth, you can return it to the heat and stir in cream for an even richer flavour. Serve this soup with grilled cheese sticks, using a combination of cheddar cheeses and a mayo-garlic-parsley spread for an extra special touch.

Tomato Bisque Soup

For a slightly more indulgent option, tomato bisque soup is a creamy and silky variation of the classic tomato soup. This soup is also served piping hot, but with the addition of sprinkled parmesan and chives, adding a savoury and slightly pungent note to the dish. To make this soup, heat butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add shallots and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes before adding in the remaining ingredients, including tomatoes, chicken stock, and cream. Blend the soup until pureed and serve with crispy, warm halloumi cheese sticks for dipping, creating a cozy and satisfying meal.

Chilli

Chilli is a hearty and robust option to serve with cheese sticks, especially during the winter months. You can make a simple chilli by using Hormel Chili No Beans and string cheese, wrapping them in egg roll wrappers, and frying them to golden perfection. Serve these chilli cheese sticks with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Alternatively, you can create a chilli bar with tater tots, hot dogs, tortilla chips, and queso, offering a variety of toppings for a fun and interactive meal.

Sauces, like marinara, guacamole, and toum

Sauces are a great way to enhance the flavour of cheese sticks. While many opt for the classic marinara sauce, there are other options to consider, such as guacamole and toum.

Marinara sauce is a popular choice for cheese sticks, especially mozzarella sticks. This tomato-based sauce is a perfect pairing with the stringy, creamy hot centres of mozzarella cheese. You can use a jar of prepared sauce or make your own with olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil. It only takes 20 minutes to make, and you likely already have the ingredients in your pantry.

If you're looking for something different, guacamole is a great option. This classic Mexican dip goes perfectly with cheese sticks. It's easy to make at home with a ripe avocado, chopped tomatoes, red onion, lime or lemon juice, and cilantro. For an extra kick, add some jalapeno or chilli peppers.

For a bold, garlic-based sauce, toum is an excellent choice. This Lebanese sauce is made with only four ingredients: salt, lemon juice, oil, and garlic. It has a consistency similar to mayonnaise and a strong garlic scent. Simply blend the ingredients together, and you're ready to dip your warm cheese sticks.

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Meat, including steak, ribs, and meatballs

Cheese sticks are a tasty snack on their own, but they can be even better when combined with another dish. They are often served as a side dish with steak, ribs, and meatballs. Here are some ideas for meat dishes to serve with cheese sticks:

Steak

Steak is a classic main course option, and it can be delicious when served with cheese sticks. To shake things up, try pairing your steak with cheese sticks and roasted, baked, boiled, or fried potatoes. Don't forget to add a side of vegetables for color and freshness. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, serve your steak with cheese sticks and onion rings for a fun and tasty appetizer platter.

Ribs

Ribs are a great option if you're looking for a hearty and satisfying dish to serve with cheese sticks. They take a while to cook (typically over 3 hours), but the result is tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. For an extra cheesy kick, drizzle some barbecue sauce over your mozzarella sticks.

Meatballs

Meatballs are a versatile option that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving them in a marinara sauce, or get creative with different types of meat and seasonings. Meatballs can be a great option for a comforting and hearty meal when paired with cheese sticks.

Other meat options

In addition to steak, ribs, and meatballs, there are plenty of other meat dishes that can be served with cheese sticks. Grilled chicken, bacon, shrimp, and grilled prosciutto-wrapped peaches are all tasty options. You can also serve cheese sticks with a variety of salads that include meat, such as a chicken Caesar salad, an Italian chopped salad, or a bacon Caesar salad.

Other dishes, for example, pesto pasta, pizza, and mac and cheese

Other Dishes to Serve with Cheese Sticks

Cheese sticks can be served as a starter for pretty much any Italian main. Here are some ideas for other dishes to serve with cheese sticks, for example, pesto pasta, pizza, and mac and cheese.

Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is a great dish to serve with cheese sticks. To make pesto pasta, cook your pasta of choice (ziti, penne, and spaghetti are great options) according to the package instructions. Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with pesto and 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add more pasta water as needed to ensure the pasta is coated in a silky, saucy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Do not reheat any leftovers, as the pesto may turn black. Instead, bring to room temperature before consuming.

Pizza

Pizza is another classic Italian dish that pairs well with cheese sticks. To make homemade pizza, start by making the dough using all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, warm water, salt, and olive oil. For the toppings, you can use a combination of cheese and sausage, or get creative with seasonal vegetables and fruits. If you're using pesto, it can be used as the base for a red pepper pizza or brushed onto the crust of a peach pizza. For a Margherita pizza, use a red sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comforting dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. To make baked mac and cheese, start by boiling the pasta until it is slightly undercooked. Use room-temperature liquids for the sauce, such as milk and half-and-half. Shred your favorite cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, or Gouda. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and cheese, then top with more shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until melted and enjoy! For a crispy cheese layer on top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

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