When it comes to mozzarella sticks, the traditional dip is marinara sauce. But, let’s be real, sometimes you need to branch out and try something new.
That’s why I’m bringing you this comprehensive guide on alternative dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks. From creamy to spicy, barbecue to pesto, and even international-inspired options, there’s something for everyone.
So, let’s get started and elevate your mozzarella stick game.
14 Alternative Mozzarella Stick Dips to Marina Sauce
Welcome to the world of mozzarella sticks beyond marinara sauce! As a chef, I know that sometimes it’s essential to break free from tradition and experiment with new flavors and ingredients.
That’s why in this section, I’m going to take you on a culinary journey and introduce you to 14 alternative dipping sauces for your mozzarella sticks. From creamy to spicy, barbecue to pesto, and even international-inspired options, we’re going to discover new ways to elevate the classic mozzarella stick.
So, get ready to break free from the mundane and dive into a world of flavor. Let’s get started!
1. Creamy Sauces
Creamy dipping sauces, such as ranch and blue cheese, are popular choices for mozzarella sticks. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of these sauces complement the gooey, melted cheese of the mozzarella sticks perfectly. But why settle for store-bought when you can make your own? Try a homemade ranch with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs or a blue cheese sauce with Roquefort and cream. And for those short on time, popular store-bought options include Hidden Valley ranch and Marie’s blue cheese dressing.
2. Spicy Sauces
If you’re looking to add some heat to your mozzarella sticks, spicy dipping sauces like buffalo and Sriracha are the way to go. The heat from these sauces balance out the richness of the cheese and add an exciting new dimension to the flavor profile. For a homemade option, try a buffalo sauce made with Frank’s RedHot and butter or a Sriracha mayo with a kick of garlic. And for store-bought options, Frank’s RedHot buffalo sauce and Huy Fong Sriracha are always a hit.
3. Barbecue Sauces
Barbecue sauce may not be the first thing that comes to mind as a mozzarella stick dip, but trust me, it’s worth trying. The sweet and smoky flavors in the barbecue sauce complement the cheese in a unique and delicious way. A homemade option could be a tangy Carolina-style sauce or a sweeter, smokier Kansas City-style sauce. And popular store-bought options include Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubb’s.
4. Mustard-Based Sauces
The tangy and savory flavors of mustard-based dipping sauces make for the perfect complement to mozzarella sticks. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, making for a well-balanced flavor. Try a homemade honey mustard, Dijon, or grainy mustard sauce. And for store-bought options, Grey Poupon and Maille are great choices.
5. Pesto
Pesto may not be the most traditional dip for mozzarella sticks, but its unique blend of basil, garlic, and olive oil creates a delicious and unexpected flavor combination. The bright, fresh flavor of the pesto pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese. For a homemade option, try a classic basil pesto or switch it up with a pesto made from arugula or spinach. Store-bought options include pesto from brands like DeLallo or Buitoni.
6. Hummus
Hummus is a great dip for mozzarella sticks because of its smooth texture and healthy ingredients. The chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice make for a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional dips. Make your own hummus using chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice and tahini, or store-bought options include Sabra and Tribe.
7. Salsa
Salsa is a versatile and bold dip that adds a touch of Mexican-inspired flavor to mozzarella sticks. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers creates a fresh and spicy contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos or switch it up with a fruit salsa made with mango or pineapple. And for store-bought options, try Tostitos or Herdez.
8. Asian-Inspired Sauces
Soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and hoisin sauce are all great options for adding an Asian-inspired twist to your mozzarella sticks. The unique blend of savory and sweet flavors in these sauces creates a delicious contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade soy sauce dip made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil or a sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. And for store-bought options, look for brands like Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee.
9. Cheese Sauces
Cheese sauces are a comforting and indulgent option for dipping mozzarella sticks. The cheesy flavors of sauces like queso or cheese fondue pair perfectly with the cheese in the mozzarella sticks. Try a homemade queso dip made with white American cheese and green chilies or a cheese fondue made with Gruyere and white wine. And for store-bought options, try Tostitos or Ragu.
10. Aioli and Mayonnaise based sauces
Aioli and mayonnaise based sauces are rich and flavorful options for mozzarella sticks. The creamy texture and tangy flavor of these sauces complement the cheese perfectly. Try a homemade aioli made with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil or a homemade mayonnaise based sauce with herbs and spices. And for store-bought options, look for brands like Sir Kensington’s or Primal Kitchen.
11. Greek-inspired sauces
Greek-inspired sauces like tzatziki and skordalia are a great option for mozzarella sticks. The combination of yogurt, herbs, and garlic creates a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill or a skordalia made with potatoes and garlic. And for store-bought options, look for brands like Athena or Fage.
12. Italian-inspired sauces
Italian-inspired sauces like Romesco and Aioli Verde are a delicious and unique option for mozzarella sticks. The combination of nuts, breadcrumbs, and herbs creates a rich and flavorful contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade Romesco made with almonds, breadcrumbs, and red pepper or a homemade Aioli Verde made with parsley, capers, and anchovies. And for store-bought options, look for brands like DeLallo or Buitoni.
13. Mexican-inspired sauces
Mexican-inspired sauces like guacamole and salsa verde are a great option for mozzarella sticks. The combination of avocado, tomatoes, and chili peppers creates a fresh and spicy contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade guacamole made with avocado, lime juice, and cilantro or a salsa verde made with tomatillos, chili peppers, and cilantro. And for store-bought options, try Wholly Guacamole or Herdez.
14. Indian-inspired sauces
Indian-inspired sauces like chutneys and raita are a great option for mozzarella sticks. The combination of herbs, spices, and yogurt creates a unique and flavorful contrast to the cheese. Try a homemade chutney made with mint, cilantro, and ginger or a raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices. And for store-bought options, look for brands like Patak’s or Meijer.
What’s considered the best dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks?
When it comes to mozzarella sticks, the traditional dip is marinara sauce. But, as a chef, I firmly believe that the best dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks is ultimately a matter of personal preference. There is no one “best” sauce that applies to everyone.
That being said, it’s worth considering the flavors and textures of the mozzarella sticks themselves. Mozzarella sticks are typically crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with a mild and slightly tangy cheese flavor. The ideal dipping sauce should complement these characteristics, rather than overpowering them.
A sauce that is too overpowering can mask the flavor of the cheese, while a sauce that is too mild will not provide enough contrast to the cheese. It’s all about finding the right balance.
For example, a creamy sauce like ranch or blue cheese can provide a nice contrast to the crispy exterior of the mozzarella sticks while complementing the gooey, melted cheese on the inside. Spicy sauces like buffalo or Sriracha can add an exciting new dimension to the flavor profile and balance out the richness of the cheese. Barbecue sauce can also be a great option, its sweet and smoky flavors complementing the cheese in a unique and delicious way.
On the other hand, a sauce like marinara, which is typically used as a traditional dip, can sometimes be too overpowering, masking the flavor of the cheese inside. So if you’re looking to branch out and try something new, it’s worth considering other options like a pesto or hummus. The unique flavors of these dips can complement the cheese in a new and exciting way. Pesto brings a bright, fresh flavor to the table while hummus adds a smooth texture and a touch of healthy ingredients.
Asian-inspired sauces such as soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or hoisin sauce can also bring a new dimension to the flavor of mozzarella sticks, adding a savory and sweet contrast. Mustard-based sauces can also be a great option, adding a tangy and savory flavor to the cheese.
Additionally, many international-inspired sauces can be great options for mozzarella sticks. Greek-inspired dips like tzatziki and skordalia, Italian-inspired dips like Romesco and Aioli Verde, Mexican-inspired dips like guacamole and salsa verde, Indian-inspired dips like chutneys and raita, can all be great options. Each of these dips brings a unique blend of flavors and spices that can complement the cheese in a new and exciting way.
In the end, whether you’re looking for a traditional dip or something more adventurous, the best dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks will depend on your personal preferences. I would suggest trying a few different options and see what you like best. The most important thing is to have fun, be adventurous and enjoy the deliciousness of mozzarella sticks.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered a variety of alternative dipping sauce options for mozzarella sticks. From creamy to spicy, barbecue to pesto, and even international-inspired options, there’s something for everyone. So, next time you enjoy mozzarella sticks, branch out and try a new sauce. And don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own unique dipping sauce combinations. Happy dipping!
