Description
Comfort meets creativity in this pizza grilled cheese sandwich that merges classic Italian flavors with American diner charm. Melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni nestle between golden-buttered bread, promising a delicious crossover meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Meats:
- 12–16 slices pepperoni (optional)
Breads and Spreads:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or white work best)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Enhance bread surfaces by generously coating each slice with softened butter, then delicately dust with fragrant garlic powder and aromatic Italian seasoning for a robust flavor profile.
- Position two bread slices with unbuttered sides facing up, meticulously layering creamy mozzarella cheese across the surface, followed by rich marinara sauce, crisp pepperoni slices, and a delicate sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese.
- Crown the prepared base with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered exteriors are prominently displayed.
- Activate a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm thoroughly before gently placing assembled sandwiches into the pan.
- Cook each sandwich with careful attention, rotating once to achieve a golden-brown crust and ensuring cheese melts completely, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove sandwiches from heat when exterior turns a deep golden hue and interior cheese becomes luxuriously melted and gooey.
- Slice diagonally to create visually appealing triangular portions and serve immediately alongside additional marinara sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.
Notes
- Choose high-quality butter for richer flavor and better browning on the bread’s surface.
- Opt for fresh mozzarella to achieve a more creamy and authentic pizza-like texture.
- Customize the sandwich with alternative protein options like grilled chicken or vegetarian pepperoni for dietary preferences.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or cheddar to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg