The 10 BEST Dipping Sauces for Mozzarella Sticks

If you’re craving a tasty snack but don’t know what dipping sauce to pick for your mozzarella sticks, then you’ve come to the right place.

With so many delicious options these days, it can be difficult to decide which of the 10 BEST Dipping Sauces will truly tantalize your taste buds.

From classic ranch dressing to ketchup and beyond, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering sauces that compliments the flavor of mozzarella sticks perfectly.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the best 10 dipping sauces so you can make an informed decision.

So, where should you begin? Read on to get all the facts on the savory world of dip.

Is ranch good with mozzarella sticks?

Ranch is one of the most popular dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks in the United States.

The creamy and tangy flavors of ranch complement the fried cheese, creating a delicious combination that is sure to satisfy any craving.

It also pairs well with a variety of other foods such as french fries, potato skins and hot wings.

Additionally, ranch may be used for adding flavor to salads and nachos, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

However, there are many other dipping sauces that can be used with mozzarella sticks if you’re looking to experiment with different flavors.

Here are some popular options:

• Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is the classic choice for mozzarella sticks and provides a slightly acidic kick that is perfectly balanced by the savory richness of melted cheese.
• BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce offers an appealing smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the crisp exterior and soft interior of breaded mozzarella sticks.
• Honey mustard: Honey mustard offers both sweet and savory notes while still providing a gentle spiciness that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Sweet chili sauce: Sweet chili sauce has layers of spicy and sweet flavors that create an irresistible combination perfect for mozzarella stick dipping.
• Garlic butter: Garlic butter adds garlic’s earthy aroma along with its unique depth to fried cheese snacks creating an intoxicating medley of flavors like no other dip can do.
• Aioli/Mayonnaise: Aioli/mayo provide a creamy base for dipping which helps hold onto every flavor from each bite you take. Plus this dip adds richness to your overall experience while not overpowering it.
• Spicy ketchup/ Tapatio Sauce (Hot Sauce): Give your mozzarella sticks some extra kick by using spicy ketchup or tapatio sauce (hot sauce). These two condiments will provide zesty heat but still pair nicely with cheesy snacks.

What can I use if I don’t have marinara sauce for mozzarella sticks?

If you find yourself without marinara sauce to dip your mozzarella sticks in, don’t despair – you can substitute with any of these options instead.

Here are eight of the best dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks that don’t require marinara sauce:

• Pesto – This semi-liquid, Italian basil sauce is perfect for adding flavor and a bit of creamy texture to your mozzarella sticks.
• Ranch dressing – Rich, creamy ranch dressing makes a tasty dipping sauce that goes great with crispy mozzarella cheese sticks.
• BBQ Sauce – Go for something sweet and tangy when it comes to BBQ sauce – it’s great on fried foods like mozzarella sticks.
• Honey mustard – Another classic choice, the sweet and tangy combination of honey mustard makes a great dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks.
• Garlic Aioli – If you’re looking for something more on the savory side, try making a simple garlic aioli or buying a jar from the store. It adds an extra burst of flavor and also pairs nicely with other Italian dishes as well.
• Nacho cheese sauce – Not as fancy as some of the other choices but delicious nonetheless, nacho cheese is always a great option for those who love their cheese fried.
• Creamy Italian dressing – For something totally different that still complements the fried goodness of the cheese stick, try using creamy Italian dressing instead.
• Hummus – Hummus brings some delicious Middle Eastern flavors to your snacking routine and can be made or bought ahead of time so you have it ready when snack time comes around.

What is the red sauce used to dip mozzarella sticks?

The red sauce used to dip mozzarella sticks is not one specific sauce but can take many forms.

This sauce is sometimes referred to as marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or spaghetti sauce and is most commonly used in Italian cuisine.

Marinara, pizza, and spaghetti sauces vary in texture and ingredients depending on how they are prepared, but generally they are made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs such as oregano and basil, onion, and olive oil.

Each of these sauces can be found either ready-made in a jar from the grocery store or cooked from scratch at home.

Additionally there are countless variations of these sauces that can either include additional ingredients for flavor or omit certain ingredients for dietary reasons.

Beyond the traditional red sauces there are also a number of other sauces that make great accompaniments for mozzarella sticks including those listed below.

Each has its own unique flavor characteristics so it’s worth exploring a few before finding the perfect fit for your mozzarella sticks.

• Ranch dressing.
• Aioli.
• Garlic butter.
• BBQ sauce.
• Honey mustard.
• Creamy Italian dressing.
• Jalapeño ranch dip.
• Tzatziki.

The 10 BEST Dipping Sauces for Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a tasty snack, but to make them even more delicious, it’s important to have some great dipping sauces.

Dipping sauces can bring out the best flavors of the fry, mozzarella and topping combination.

There are tons of incredible options that take your sticks from ordinary to extraordinary in no time at all.

Here’s a look at 8 of the best dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks.

1. Marinara sauce

Marinara sauce is not just for pasta anymore.

This delicious tomato-based sauce is perfect for dipping fried mozzarella sticks into, as the combination of the creamy cheese and tangy sauce is heavenly.

Marinara sauce is made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano and other herbs.

You can buy pre-made marinara at any grocery store or make your own.

Simply start with a can of crushed tomatoes, add sautéed onions and garlic and let simmer with some herbs for a delicious homemade Italian-style dip.

2. Garlic butter

Garlic butter is a classic complement to mozzarella sticks, adding rich, savory flavor that complements the cheese’s mild tang.

To make garlic butter, melt butter in a skillet and add minced fresh or powdered garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer until fragrant, then pour it over mozzarella sticks or use as a dipping sauce.

For an even richer version of garlic butter, substitute olive oil for the butter.

For varied flavors, you can also mix in herbs like parsley or oregano and spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

3. Alfredo sauce

Alfredo sauce is a delicious creamy sauce that is commonly used in Italian-style dishes, such as chicken alfredo.

The use of this sauce with mozzarella sticks creates an indulgent flavor combination that can be hard to resist.

When making Alfredo sauce from scratch, for dipping your mozzarella sticks into, you will need the following ingredients- parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, butter and salt.

First start off by melting butter in a pot over medium heat.

Once the butter melts add in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next add in heavy cream and simmer over low to medium heat until it reduces by half.

And lastly add in grated parmesan or Romano cheese while stirring with a wooden spatula or whisk until the cheese melts completely into the sauce and there are no lumps left behind.

Season with salt and serve while warm with your favorite mozzarella sticks.

4. Sweet chili sauce

For a sweet and spicy take on mozzarella cheese sticks, sweet chili sauce is an excellent option.

Made from a combination of chilies and red peppers, this sauce has a subtle sweetness with a slightly bold flavor.

An Asian favorite, it is great for dipping mozzarella sticks as well as other fried favorites like onion rings and french fries.

It also makes an excellent topping for pizza and egg rolls.

Make sure to check the labels on store-bought sauces to ensure that they are low in sugar and sodium.

If you’re looking for a healthier option in the condiment aisle, look out for ones made with honey or agave syrup instead of white sugar or corn syrup.

5. Chipotle mayo

Chipotle mayo is a popular condiment that can be made at home or found in stores.

It is made from mayonnaise combined with chipotle chilis, cilantro, and lime juice.

The spicy flavoring of the chipotle gives this dip an extra kick of flavor that pairs perfectly with mozzarella sticks.

Chipotle mayo is best served chilled and can be made ahead of time to save time on serving day.

Its creamy texture adds depth to the fried goodness of cheesy mozzarella sticks and makes them even tastier.

For those who like a little heat with their cheese, the smokiness provided by chipotle mayo will be sure to win them over.

6. Ranch dressing

Ranch dressing is an American favorite, perfect for mozzarella sticks.

In particular, buttermilk-laced ranch dressing pairs perfectly with these cheesy appetizers.

Of all the sauces listed here, ranch has the mildest flavor, so it won’t crowd out the flavor of your mozzarella sticks.

You can buy store-bought ranch dressing or make a basic homemade version with mayonnaise, buttermilk and seasonings.

Try adding some additions to your homemade version, such as chopped herbs like chives and parsley or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1/4 cup of buttermilk plus one teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder and ½ teaspoon each dried dill weed and paprika for a simple homemade Ranch dipping sauce.

7. BBQ sauce

Barbecue sauce makes a great dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks because of its smoky, sweet taste.

It is the perfect combination of slightly tangy and spicy, making it a great addition to many fried appetizers.

When selecting an BBQ sauce for your mozzarella sticks, select one that has a flavor that you enjoy.

Some popular flavors of BBQ sauces are honey-mustard, Carolina-style and smoked molasses.

Adding a few drops of hot sauce can really kick up the flavor profile and create something truly special when paired with mozzarella sticks.

8. Honey mustard sauce

Honey Mustard is a classic condiment, and it makes for the perfect combination with crispy mozzarella sticks.

The sweet honey flavor complements the cheesy taste of mozzarella perfectly – just be sure to mix it with an equal part of Dijon mustard for maximum flavor.

Serve it as a simple dip or dress it up with some chopped fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or extra garlic.

The possibilities are endless.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many delicious dipping sauces out there for mozzarella sticks.

The options are endless and you can find something that suits your taste.

Whether you want something crowd-pleasing like marinara sauce or want to try something new like honey mustard, there is sure to be a dip on this list that will tantalize your taste buds.

Try a few of these fantastic dipping sauces the next time you’re enjoying mozzarella sticks – they really make the experience even more enjoyable.