Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting crispiness of grilled cheese with the classic flavors of pizza, featuring melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings for an irresistible and easy-to-make sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread and Butter
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Filling
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle the buttered side evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to enhance the pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the inside of each slice. Layer the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and turkey pepperoni on top of the sauce. Add extra toppings if desired. Cover with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up.
- Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting and melting. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to cool for a minute. Slice each sandwich in half. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use low-sodium pepperoni or omit for lower sodium content.
- Substitute with vegan cheese and bread for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Cooking on medium-low heat helps prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt completely.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Pizza grilled cheese, turkey pepperoni sandwich, mozzarella sandwich, easy lunch recipe, skillet grilled cheese
