Did you know mozzarella sticks are one of the most popular side items on the Burger King menu?
There’s definitely something satisfying about the ooey-gooey texture that melts in the mouth, leaving you to say oh-so-cheesy.
Have you been planning to munch on some sticks but are unsure what sauce goes best with mozzarella sticks?
One thing is certain; these cheesy sticks are incredibly versatile when it comes to sauces or dips, and we’re here to introduce you to the best matches.
Mozzarella Cheese – An Insight into Research
According to Dr. Allan Stewart, Director of Aortic Surgery at ISMMS or Mount Sinai, individuals who consume cheese have a 14% reduced chance of getting coronary heart disease and a 10% lower risk of stroke than individuals who consume cheese occasionally or never at all (1).
YouGov America conducted a survey earlier this year, in which 8,815 individuals in the United States were asked about their favorite types of cheese (2). The results showed that the most popular types of cheese were mozzarella, American (processed cheese), and cheddar.
According to Oxford Academic’s Nutrition Reviews, Mozzarella cheese can improve cholesterol levels—thanks to healthy nutrients like vitamin K and calcium (3). However, myths still surround this popular cheese type, stating that it is heavy in fat, salt, and calories.
Best Sauce for Mozzarella Sticks
When it comes to classic combinations for mouth-watering cuisines, the juicy, tomato-rich marinara sauce and mozzarella sticks tick all the boxes.
However, if you wish to switch things up and experiment with different sauces and dips, know that the options are unlimited. Now you may wonder, other than marinara, what can you use for dipping mozzarella sticks in?
Let’s find out.
Besides marinara sauce, some sauces on the spicy end of the spectrum that pair best with mozzarella sticks include buffalo sauce, hot sauce, tzatziki, and Thai sweet chili.
Other winsome blends include regular or flavored mayonnaise, honey mustard sauce, ranch sauce, Alfredo sauce, salsa, and cheese-based dipping like Hollandaise.
Marinara Dipping Sauce for Mozzarella Sticks
Undoubtedly, marinara sauce and mozzarella sticks are a classic combination, and for a good reason. On top of that, it’s incredibly simple to make with just five steps and a couple of basic pantry ingredients.
So, if you don’t have a bright red, lively-tasting marinara sauce recipe in your repertoire, make sure to bookmark this one (or turn to a supermarket to buy the best sauce for your budget).
The following is a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare a homemade marinara sauce. Considering that tomato sauce is an essential part of the recipe, make sure to get one of high quality.
Ingredient List
- Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon)
- 2 Cloves of Garlic (Minced or Pressed)
- Tomato Sauce (1 Jar – 15 ounces/425g)
- Dried Basil and Oregano (½ Teaspoon)
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper (¼ Teaspoon)
The Recipe
- Firstly, add one tablespoon of olive oil to a frying pan over high heat.
- Nest, add garlic cloves and fry until they turn brown. Throw it away.
- Add remaining ingredients (tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and salt).
- Now drop the heat to low, simmer, and stir to combine them.
- Finally, let the sauce sit for 10 minutes and serve warm, next to the sticks.
Other Sauces That Pair Best with Mozzarella Sticks
As discussed in the beginning, the options available to you are unlimited when it comes to picking a dip or sauce to go along with delicious mozzarella sticks.
This mild yet creamy delicacy goes well with a wide variety of spicy and cheese-based sauces; choose one that suits your taste buds. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the available options.
Buffalo Sauce
If you think buffalo and hot sauce are the same things, no, they’re not. Buffalo sauce is a thick, creamy sauce made by blending hot sauce with butter or fat, which makes it smoother and richer than the actual hot sauce.
The rich and velvety quality of buffalo sauce pairs well with the crispiness and chewiness of mozzarella sticks, and all of these qualities complement each other effectively.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce, made from chili peppers, is great for giving mozzarella sticks a spicy kick while balancing its creamier side.
Depending on the particulars of the dish, the base of the hot sauce may even include fruits or vegetables, providing an intriguing flavor profile when combined with the cheesy sticks. Additionally, the hot sauce also uses various seasonings and spices for a deep, umami flavor.
Tzatziki
Native Southeast Europe and the Middle East, tzatziki (pronounced tsah-see-key) is a cucumber-yogurt dip or sauce that pairs best with mozzarella sticks, especially during summers.
The yogurt base adds a cool side to the sauce, while the hint of spices and herbs satisfies the hunger. The entire tzatziki recipe relies on easy-to-find ingredients, making the preparation at home a breeze.
Thai Sweet Chili
Made from dried chili flakes, Thai sweet chili sauce, sometimes referred to as Asian sweet chili sauce, is primarily a sweet condiment with both spicy and sour notes. The entire impression is one of lightness, despite the sauce’s intense taste.
Since mozzarella sticks have a cheesy texture, the delicious velvety sauce creates an explosion of flavors in the mouth to complement the dish.
Regular or Flavored Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a versatile sauce, mostly served with wraps, sandwiches, and meat-based dishes. If you’re a fan of creamy cuisine, pair your ordinary mozzarella sticks with regular or flavored mayonnaise to work the magic.
Additionally, if your recipe revolves around fiery spices like pepper or cayenne, mayonnaise will complement the best to soften the taste and texture of the sticks.
Salsa Sauce
Did you know salsa is a Spanish word that literally translates to sauce? Although the term was later extended in American Spanish to denote the dance—the sauce origin stays the same.
This tomato-based sauce is a staple in Mexican cuisine; however, the chunky texture and hint of aromatic spices like oregano, cilantro, peppers, and cumin make it a good side for crispy mozzarella sticks.
Btw read also How to Make Salsa Less Spicy
Ranch Sauce
Ranch sauce is a staple pantry ingredient in most American households and goes well with typically all dishes.
The mix of creaminess (from sour cream, buttermilk, and sometimes mayonnaise) and herbaceousness (typically thyme, dill, and parsley), in addition to a long draw of allium (garlic and onion) and a shot of black pepper, make ranch sauce an excellent combination for mozzarella sticks.
Alfredo Sauce
Native to Italy, Alfredo sauce is a white sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Although Alfredo is mostly paired with Fettuccine pasta, it tastes like heaven when combined with mozzarella sticks. However, since Alfredo and mozzarella are cheese-based, the consumption may equal a high-calorie intake. You can easily find Alfredo sauce in any local grocery store.
Honey Mustard Sauce
First introduced by the former Southern California chef Dan Ryan in the 1970s to 80s, honey mustard sauce is a fantastic condiment with savory and starter menus, especially mozzarella cheese sticks, due to its outstanding harmony of tastes, including both sweet and sour notes.
The ingredients for honey mustard include honey, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, and a spice mixture.
Hollandaise
Originally known as “Sauce Isigny” in France, the creamy Hollandaise sauce is yet another decadent and opulent sauce prepared by whisking together melted butter, egg yolks, lemon juice, and vinegar.
In most French cuisines, it is offered with fish or veggies. Since hollandaise sauce has a silky consistency and a rich taste profile, it is considered an excellent side sauce for mozzarella sticks.
Thai Peanut Sauce
Thai peanut sauce is a classic Asian sauce that mixes the tangy tastes of soy sauce, ginger, and rice wine vinegar with the smooth consistency of powdered peanuts.
It is naturally rich and velvety in texture; however, some traditional recipes call for using coconut or almond milk to smoothen it further. Due to the fantastic umami characteristics, this sauce goes well with mozzarella sticks.
Sriracha Sauce
Native to a small town, “Si Racha” in Southeast Thailand, Sriracha sauce is fiery, fragrant, and full of spiciness, making it an ideal match for mozzarella sticks.
The oh-so-cheesy taste of mozzarella tones down the spiciness of Sriracha, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying mix of ingredients. Typically, the ingredients used to make Sriracha sauce include vinegar, chili peppers, sugar, and garlic.
Summary – What Sauce Goes Best with Mozzarella Sticks
This article answered the question, what sauce goes best with mozzarella sticks.
It shows that besides the classic marinara sauce – buffalo sauce, hot sauce, tzatziki, and Thai sweet chili, regular or flavored mayonnaise, honey mustard sauce, ranch sauce, Alfredo sauce, salsa, and Hollandaise sauce compliments it the best.
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