Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer ( Soup Shooter) Recipe

Picture this: golden, buttery grilled cheese sticks with oozy cheese at the center, cut into perfect dippers and served alongside mini shooters of creamy tomato soup. The Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter) is absolute comfort food reimagined as a bite-sized indulgence—ideal for parties, game nights, or even a cozy family snack. This playful twist on a classic brings nostalgic warmth and flavor while impressing guests with playful presentation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this show-stopping appetizer shine. Every item is a star player—from the bread forming that golden crunch to a ketchup aioli that takes everything up a notch. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why they matter:

• Sandwich bread: Soft, classic sandwich bread gets the ultimate crisp when baked, and it’s sliceable into perfect sticks.
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melty, mild, and flavorful—this cheese ensures a rich pull in every bite.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Essential for the crackly, golden exterior; melted butter soaks into every delicious corner.
• Ketchup: Brings tangy brightness to your homemade aioli, adding both zip and a lovely color.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and smooth, mayo makes the aioli luscious and helps cheese cling to bread.
• Onion powder: Layers on deep, savory flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Garlic powder: Just a hint brings the whole appetizer to life with tasty warmth.
• Salt (if using unsalted butter): Heightens all those cheesy, buttery flavors for maximum satisfaction.

How to Make Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (Soup Shooter)

Step 1: Mix Your Ketchup Aioli

Start off by whisking together your ketchup, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt if needed. You want a smooth, creamy sauce with a punchy flavor—it’ll double as the secret ingredient inside your sandwiches. Set this aioli aside so the flavors can mingle while you get the rest together.

Step 2: Prep the Bread with Sauce

Lay out all your slices of sandwich bread on a clean counter. Spread a generous spoonful of your freshly made ketchup aioli over each side of every slice. This step guarantees every bite is moist, savory, and packed with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Close Them Up

Sprinkle about one-third cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese on one side of each sandwich. Don’t skimp here—the cheese is the main event! Once you’re set, close up each sandwich so you’re ready for toasting.

Step 4: Brush with Butter for That Golden Crunch

Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon, if that’s what you have), lavishly butter both sides of each sandwich. Make sure to slather those edges—this helps achieve a uniformly golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Slice Like a Pro

Arrange your sandwiches on a baking sheet and slide them onto the bottom rack of a preheated 374 F oven. Bake for about 6 minutes per side; you want them gorgeously browned and melty. Flip, then continue baking for around 3 more minutes. When they’re done, let them cool fully before slicing into sticks. (For seriously clean cuts, let cool completely, then reheat just before serving!) Remove the crusts for an elegant look—your call.

Step 6: Serve with Soup Shooters

Pair your crispy, melty sticks with warm tomato soup—or any soup you love—served in small cups or plastic shooters. Dip, sip, and bite your way through the most comforting appetizer ever!

How to Serve Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (Soup Shooter)

Garnishes

Add vibrant charm and more flavor by topping your soup shooters with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley. A little black pepper or even a swirl of cream on the soup looks stunning and inviting alongside the Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter).

Side Dishes

This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks, a simple green salad, or even potato chips for a playful touch. The Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter) steals the show at any event but also compliments other crowd-pleasers on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the grilled cheese sticks upright in a glass next to soup shooters so everyone can dip with ease. You can also thread sticks onto wooden skewers, or tuck a stick right across the top of each shooter glass for a whimsical, modern feel. Making a Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter) bar? Set up sauces and soup options for guests to mix and match!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place the grilled cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the soup separately in a covered jar or bowl. Both will keep well for up to three days, staying fresh (and ready for snacking) with a quick reheat.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Bake the sandwiches, cool them, and slice into sticks. Layer between parchment and freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to a month. Leave the soup out of the freezer—dairy-based or creamy soups can separate once thawed.

Reheating

Warm the cheese sticks in the oven at 350 F for 5–8 minutes, or until hot and crispy again—no sogginess! If you’ve made the soup ahead, gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently for even heating. Your Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter) will taste just as fresh as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Colby Jack is beloved for its meltability, but cheddar, mozzarella, or even spicy pepper jack work beautifully in the Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter). Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for that gooey effect.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the regular sandwich bread for your favorite gluten-free variety. Check that the rest of your ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a version everyone can enjoy.

What’s the trick for perfectly crisp grilled cheese sticks?

Butter both sides generously and bake on the bottom oven rack for a stronger heat from below, flipping halfway for even color. Letting sticks cool before slicing keeps edges sharp and cheese from oozing out.

Can I prepare Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter) ahead for a party?

Definitely! Bake, cool, and slice your sticks, then reheat everything just before serving so they’re hot and crispy. This little bit of extra planning makes party hosting effortless and impressive.

What soups pair best with this appetizer?

Classic tomato soup is a winner and sure to please, but cream of roasted red pepper, butternut squash, or even broccoli cheddar make fun and flavorful “shooters” for dipping the grilled cheese sticks.

Final Thoughts

Few things evoke pure comfort and joy like crispy, melty grilled cheese dunked in velvety soup—especially when everything’s mini and meant for sharing. Make your next get-together a hit with this playful Mini Grilled Cheese Sticks Appetizer (w/ Soup Shooter); it’s irresistibly simple, super satisfying, and guaranteed to spark big smiles with every dip and bite!

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