why make this recipe
Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun and tasty twist on two classic favorites: pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe combines the gooey goodness of melted cheese with the delicious flavors of pizza. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
how to make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 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)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse extra pizza flavor as it toasts.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any extra toppings of your choice. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 3: Toast the Sandwich
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice them in half and garnish with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
how to serve Pizza Grilled Cheese
Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also add a simple salad or some crispy veggies to make a complete meal. This sandwich is great for lunch or dinner and is sure to please both kids and adults.
how to store Pizza Grilled Cheese
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to eat them within a day or two. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat to crisp it up again while allowing the cheese to melt.
tips to make Pizza Grilled Cheese
- For extra flavor, try adding different types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.
- Use fresh veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms as toppings for added nutrition.
- Make sure to use medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
variation
You can easily swap out the turkey pepperoni for other toppings like cooked sausage, olives, or even vegetables like spinach and bell peppers. Experimenting with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo can create new flavor profiles too!
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, gluten-free bread works great for this recipe. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the pepperoni and add more veggies or different cheese.
3. How can I make it healthier?
You can use whole grain bread and add more vegetables while reducing the amount of cheese. You can also use turkey cheese or low-fat cheese.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slices turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Assembly
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any extra toppings.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula.
- Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Serving
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice them in half and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.