Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
These Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni with the rich flavors of garlic butter and parmesan on crispy, toasted bread. Perfect for a comforting lunch or quick dinner, they bring together the best of pizza and classic grilled cheese in one handheld delight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sandwich Assembly
- 8 thick slices sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 24 thin slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Spread Garlic Butter: Using a knife or spatula, spread the prepared garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the exterior for crisping and flavoring the sandwich.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, evenly layer the shredded mozzarella cheese first, followed by the pizza sauce, and then place the pepperoni slices on top. This order ensures even melting and distribution of toppings.
- Top with Bread Slices: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the layered slices, making sure the buttered sides are facing outwards. This will create a crisp golden crust when cooked.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up. Using medium heat is essential to melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place each sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the mozzarella cheese inside is melted and gooey. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice each in half for easier handling, and serve warm for the best gooey, crunchy experience.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian to prevent sogginess.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce before layering.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor in the garlic butter.
- Ensure the skillet is heated properly before adding sandwiches to achieve a crispy crust.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage or vegetables.
- Cover the skillet with a lid briefly during cooking if cheese is not melting quickly.
Keywords: grilled cheese, pizza grilled cheese, pepperoni sandwich, melty cheese sandwich, garlic butter sandwich, easy lunch, quick dinner
