Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Pizza grilled cheese combines the best of pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches into a crispy, melty, and flavorful delight. With buttery toasted bread, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and zesty turkey pepperoni, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch, snacks, or dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings or healthier alternatives for a versatile comfort food everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
Pizza Filling
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or preferred topping)
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered sides evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse extra pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside (unbuttered) side of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any additional toppings you prefer. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan carefully. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure even contact and melting. Flip the sandwiches gently and cook another 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for about a minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use hearty bread like sourdough or ciabatta to prevent sogginess; lightly toast softer breads before assembling.
- Medium-low heat is key to toast evenly while fully melting cheese without burning the bread.
- Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking ensures a crispy crust and even melt.
- Spread marinara sauce thinly to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Layer cheese directly against the bread to create a moisture barrier preventing sogginess.
- Pre-cook any additional toppings like vegetables to remove excess moisture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Sandwiches can be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
- Panini press can be used as an alternative cooking method for even toasting.
Keywords: pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, easy lunch recipe, quick dinner, turkey pepperoni sandwich, melty cheese sandwich, comfort food
Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/pizza-grilled-cheese-recipe/
