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Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza Grilled Cheese

This recipe is the perfect fusion of a gooey, classic grilled cheese and the zesty, savory flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It's a simple and versatile comfort food, featuring melted mozzarella and Parmesan, warm marinara sauce, and savory pepperoni between crispy, buttery slices of bread. This soul-warming creation is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend lunch, or even an easy camping meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat work well)
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 slices of turkey pepperoni
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet (for oven method)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Bread: Lay your four slices out. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Spread this seasoned butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This buttered side will be the outside of your sandwich.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Place two of the bread slices with the buttered side facing down. Spread a layer of marinara or pizza sauce on the un-buttered side. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, followed by the grated Parmesan. Arrange the turkey pepperoni slices on top.
  3. Close and Toast: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up. Gently press down. Heat a non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the warm skillet.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, until deep golden-brown. Press down gently with a spatula. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it’s equally golden and the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Slice them in half diagonally. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For best results, use sturdy bread like sourdough and shred your own low-moisture mozzarella for a better cheese pull. Cook on low, slow heat to prevent burning. To avoid a soggy sandwich, use a thick sauce and sauté any vegetable fillings first. Variations include adding different meats (like Italian sausage), veggies, or using other sauces like pesto or a white garlic sauce. The sandwiches can also be baked on a sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes per side.