12+ BEST Dipping Sauces for Mozzarella Sticks

Wondering what the best dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of 12+ easy sauce recipes.

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Elevate your mozzarella stick game with these 13 irresistible dipping sauces. From the classic marinara to the tangy BBQ and unique Asian fusion, there’s a dipping sauce for every palate.

Whether you prefer a kick of spice, a burst of sweetness, or a creamy and indulgent experience, these sauces will take your mozzarella stick snacking to new heights.

So go ahead, get dipping, and enjoy the cheesy deliciousness!

Wondering what to serve with your meal? Try one of these 25+ sides for mozzarella sticks!

PS – These dipping sauces are not only delicious with mozzarella sticks, but they’re also great with pizza, toasted ravioli, chicken tenders and chicken wings too!

The BEST Mozzarella Stick Dipping Sauces

Hand holding jar of homemade marinara sauce.
Marinara:
Starting off with a classic, marinara sauce is a timeless choice for mozzarella sticks. Its rich tomato base, enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.
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Spoonful of creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic:
Indulge in the decadence of a creamy garlic sauce. This velvety delight, made with butter, garlic, and cream, provides a rich and savory experience that pairs flawlessly with mozzarella sticks.
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Close up of creamy sun dried tomato sauce on serving spoon.
Make this 15-minute Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce to instantly transform your pasta, chicken, or seafood into a gourmet meal! It’s luxurious and easy to make with cream, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Hand holding jar of homemade bbq sauce
Tangy BBQ:
Add a twist to your mozzarella sticks with a tangy barbecue sauce. Its smoky flavor and slight sweetness will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese, resulting in a lip-smacking combination.
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Restaurant ranch dressing in small glass jar with spoon.
Creamy Ranch:
Ranch dressing lovers, rejoice! The cool and creamy goodness of ranch complements the warm mozzarella sticks beautifully. The blend of herbs and buttermilk in ranch dressing adds a refreshing element to the indulgent snack.
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Side view of red wine pasta sauce pasta.
Red Wine Sauce:
This quick and easy Red Wine Sauce is made with simple ingredients, and it’s one of the best ways to use leftover red wine!
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Basil Arugula pesto in small white bowl with spoon.
Zesty Pesto:
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 flavors.
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Honey mustard dipping sauce in small serving bowl next to honey wand.
Honey Mustard:
Strike a perfect balance between sweet and tangy by dipping your mozzarella sticks into a honey mustard sauce. The combination of smooth honey and zesty mustard creates a harmony that will leave you craving more.
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Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Smoky Chipotle:
Add a touch of smoky heat to your mozzarella sticks with a chipotle sauce. Made from chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, mayonnaise, and lime juice, this spicy, smoky delight brings a Southwestern flair to your snack time.
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Hand holding spoon dipped into jar of buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Sauce:
Fans of Buffalo wings will love this tangy and spicy option. Buffalo sauce, made with hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of vinegar, gives your mozzarella sticks a fiery kick that's hard to resist.
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Side view of container of blue cheese dressing in small jar with spoon.
Creamy Blue Cheese:
Pair the creaminess of blue cheese with the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks. The distinct flavor of blue cheese provides a unique and indulgent dipping experience that will leave you wanting more.
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Sauce with spoon in skillet.
Diavolo Sauce:
Diavolo sauce is a fantastic option for dipping mozzarella sticks. Diavolo, meaning "devil" in Italian, is a spicy tomato-based sauce that adds a fiery kick to your snack. The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs creates a bold and intense flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with the mild and creamy mozzarella sticks.
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Balsamic glaze:
For a more unique flavor, try balsamic glaze as a dipping sauce. It's a bit sweet and tangy.
Get the RECIPE from Wholesome Yum
Easy Homemade Hot Honey {2 Ingredients, 2 Methods}!
Hot Honey:
Honey infused with chili pepper flakes for a sweet and hot combo!
Get the RECIPE from Garlic Salt and Lime

How to make ahead and store

Many of these dipping sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

What to serve with mozzarella sticks

More sauce recipes

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Collage of sauces for mozzarella sticks.

12+ BEST Sauces for Mozzarella Sticks

Wondering what the best dipping sauces for mozzarella sticks are? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of 12+ easy sauce recipes. Try this easy 30 Minute Marinara Sauce. Using basic ingredients & only 1 pot.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 28-ounce can San Marzano whole tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 large fresh basil sprig
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus additional, to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (plus additional, to taste)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes (with their juices), basil sprig, oregano, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and continue to simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, and using a sturdy spoon to crush the tomatoes as they cook.
  • Remove and discard the basil sprig. Season with additional salt and sugar, to taste. (If you prefer a smooth sauce, you can also purée it with an immersion blender, blender or food processor until it reaches your desired consistency.)

Notes

This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 5 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
Note: Amount of sugar needed will depend on the sweetness of your tomatoes, so be sure to season to taste.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Saucepan

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 9mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 4mg
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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