The Fruity Sauce You Should Try Pairing With Mozzarella Sticks

Wouldn't life be a lot more boring without cheese? Although most countries in the world produce this dairy product, some are more famous than others in cheese production, such as France and Italy. In Italy in 2020, the most beloved cheese was Parmigiano Reggiano. It was followed by mozzarella di bufala, made from water buffalo milk (via Statista). Statista also reports that in the U.S. in 2020, people ate about nine pounds of mozzarella on average, which grew to 12.3 pounds per person in 2021. 

But there are many types of mozzarella, not just mozzarella di bufala. Eataly reveals that apart from mozzarella di bufala, there are five other distinguished types of mozzarella. Fior di latte mozzarella is made with cow's milk and has delicate, sweet, and light flavors, while the texture is elastic. Meanwhile, stracciatella is more than just an ice cream flavor. It is a creamy and soft type of mozzarella made from mozzarella shreds and fresh cream. Burrata consists of mozzarella filled with stracciatella, and it's very creamy and rich. Finally, bocconcini are small, bite-sized mozzarella balls, while nodini refers to hand-twisted mozzarella with a firm texture. 

Mozzarella can be used in a variety of dishes such as salads, pizza, lasagna, and chicken parmesan (per MasterClass). But one of the most fun ways to eat mozzarella is as mozzarella sticks, which are ideally paired with a tasty sauce on the side.

Mozzarella sticks are a classic appetizer consisting of battered and breaded mozzarella cheese that's fried until golden and crispy. Once fried and pulled apart, the melting cheese starts to ooze out of the breading, creating a pleasant sensory experience in the process. Have you heard about the surprising origin of mozzarella sticks? Although there are still debates about the origin, Thrillist reports that the appetizer probably wasn't invented in Italy, as it dates back to 15th-century France. 

Over time, mozzarella sticks became more and more popular. Nowadays, they're typically served with marinara, a sauce consisting of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs such as oregano or basil (per Salerno's Pizza). Although the marinara sauce is the most popular pairing for mozzarella sticks, in Albany, New York, locals like to pair the appetizer with another sauce that's much more fruity. 

The sauce is called melba, and it was named after an opera singer. The sauce consists of raspberries, currant jelly, and a thickener, such as cornstarch (via Delighted Cooking). Atlas Obscura reports that the fruity and tangy melba sauce is a classic accompaniment to mozzarella sticks in Albany's "bars and eateries," and locals love the pairing for its nice contrast of flavors and textures. After all, cheese pairs well with fruit, so don't hesitate to dip your mozz sticks in melba sauce when you get the chance.