If you love pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches, then this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe is a match made in heaven for you! This delicious and easy-to-make dish combines the gooey goodness of cheese, the savory flavors of pepperoni, and the comforting taste of pizza sauce, all sandwiched between two slices of crispy white bread. Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or even dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: This Pizza Grilled Cheese combines all the flavors you love from a classic pizza in a convenient sandwich form.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these sandwiches ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Soft unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sandwich.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Provides a salty and nutty flavor to the butter mixture.
- Garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning: Infuse the butter with delicious Italian flavors.
- White bread: Serves as the base for the sandwich.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
- Pepperoni slices: Add a savory and slightly spicy kick to the sandwich.
- Warm pizza sauce: Perfect for dipping and completing the pizza experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the soft butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Spread the butter mixture on one side of each slice of white bread.
- Place mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on the unbuttered side of one bread slice.
- Top with the other bread slice, buttered side facing out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve hot with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Helpful Tips:
- Use a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best melting results.
- Experiment with different toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Don’t skimp on the butter mixture, as it adds flavor and helps the sandwich crisp up nicely.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat or multigrain bread.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Try grilling the sandwich in a panini press for a crispy finish.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Pizza Grilled Cheese with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal. For drinks, a cold glass of lemonade or a refreshing iced tea would complement the sandwich perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or Swiss to customize the flavors to your liking. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with your favorite vegetable toppings like sliced tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers. - Can I freeze these sandwiches for later?
While it’s best to enjoy these sandwiches fresh, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet before serving.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re craving the comforting flavors of pizza and grilled cheese, give this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe a try. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious results, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So fire up the skillet, grab your favorite ingredients, and enjoy this tasty twist on two classic favorites. Bon appétit!
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Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the classic flavors of pizza with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For Assembly:
- 8 slices white bread
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces pepperoni
- Warm pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and an additional slice of mozzarella. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- Grill: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Cut the sandwiches diagonally and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings by adding your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat bread and turkey pepperoni.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg