Fried mozzarella sticks are a superstar of the appetizer game, but I decided that they were due for a welcome upgrade that would make them worthy of not only your game days, but also your holiday ...

Leave the sauce to cool and then blend with a stick ... I like to chill it in the fridge and serve it cold with the hot mozzarella sticks. To fry the mozzarella sticks, heat the neutral oil ...

Gently warm your favorite marinara along with some umami-packed ingredients to serve as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks and other appetizers. F&W recipe developer Marianne Williams stirs in ...

Marinara is also pretty thin and is often used as a dipping sauce with foods like calamari and mozzarella sticks. Alfredo sauce follows closely behind, taking up 17 percent of pasta sauce purchases.

"This time, it's here to stay!" the chain added of the menu item, which is made up of 30 mini mozzarella sticks and served with a side of marinara sauce. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE ...