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Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 599 reviews

A delicious twist on classic grilled cheese, this Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwich combines melted mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses with savory pepperoni, marinara sauce, and optional veggies and meats, all grilled to golden, crispy perfection. Perfect comfort food for pizza and grilled cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

  • 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
  • 4–6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise (to blend with butter)

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup mini beef pepperoni slices or regular beef pepperoni, finely chopped
  • Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced bell peppers, lightly sautéed and drained
  • Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, lightly sautéed
  • 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained and chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms, well-drained

For Serving

  • Additional marinara sauce, warm, for dipping
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place): Soften the butter, or combine it with mayonnaise for a spread that blends smoothly. Grate and mix all the cheeses together in a bowl. Prepare your toppings by chopping the pepperoni, finely dicing the bell peppers and red onions (lightly sauté and drain if using), chopping the black olives, and measuring out fresh basil or dried oregano. Make sure any cooked meats or mushrooms are well-drained. Measure out the pizza sauce and lay out the slices of bread, ready for assembly.
  2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture generously on one side of all 8 slices of bread; this side will be the sandwich exterior. Place 4 slices buttered-side down on your work surface to form the sandwich bottoms. Flip each bottom slice and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on the unbuttered side. Evenly distribute about one-quarter to one-third of the cheese blend over the sauce. Layer the prepared toppings evenly over the cheese, sprinkle with fresh basil or dried oregano, then add the remaining cheese blend on top. Cap each sandwich with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up, and gently press to secure all fillings.
  3. Grill to Golden Perfection: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure even cooking without burning. Carefully place two of the assembled sandwiches in the pan, buttered side down, working in batches if necessary. Grill the sandwiches for 4 to 6 minutes until the bottoms turn a deep golden brown, avoiding pressing them down. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to help melt the cheese inside thoroughly. Flip the sandwiches carefully, cover again, and grill the second side for another 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbling. Total cooking time per sandwich will be about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a wire rack to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
  4. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Let the sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes; this allows the cheese to set slightly and the crust to crisp up further. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each sandwich diagonally to reveal the gooey melted cheese and vibrant toppings inside. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping and sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes for added heat if desired.

Notes

  • Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast to hold up well during grilling without becoming soggy.
  • Lightly sauté and drain vegetables to reduce moisture and avoid soggy sandwiches.
  • Covering the pan while grilling helps cheese melt evenly without burning the bread.
  • Resting the sandwich before slicing helps the cheese set and reduces messy oozing.
  • Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences, such as adding mushrooms, sausage, or different cheeses.
  • For quicker assembly, use pre-shredded cheese blends and pre-cooked toppings.

Keywords: Pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, melted cheese, comfort food, easy sandwich recipe

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/pizza-grilled-cheese-recipe/