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Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the comforting creaminess of melted cheeses with the savory flavors of pepperoni and marinara sauce, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery slices of sturdy bread. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, it offers a delightful twist on traditional grilled cheese with the essence of classic pizza ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

  • 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
  • 4–6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Cheeses

  • 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 cheese

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 & drained)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
  • 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained & chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)

Extras

  • Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise (to mix with butter for spread)
  • Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place): Soften the butter, or if using mayonnaise, combine it with the softened butter to create a blended spread. Grate and combine all cheeses in a bowl. Prepare toppings by chopping the beef pepperoni, finely dicing bell peppers and red onion then lightly sautéing and draining them if using. Chop the olives and the fresh basil or measure dried oregano. Make sure any beef sausage or mushrooms are cooked and well-drained. Measure out the pizza sauce and lay out the bread slices ready for assembly.
  2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of all 8 slices of bread – this will be the exterior when grilled. Place 4 slices buttered-side down to serve as the sandwich bottoms. Flip each bottom slice, then spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side. Sprinkle approximately one-quarter to one-third of the cheese blend evenly over the sauce. Distribute the prepared toppings evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese blend. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. Gently press the sandwiches to secure the fillings.
  3. Grill to Golden Perfection: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place two assembled sandwiches in the pan, buttered-side down; cook in batches if necessary. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes until the bottoms are a deep golden brown; avoid pressing down on the sandwiches. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to promote even melting of the cheese. Flip the sandwiches, cover again, and grill the other side for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly and oozing. Total cook time per sandwich is 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the sandwiches and transfer to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
  4. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Let the cooked sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the crust to crisp. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use sturdy bread like sourdough or rustic Italian for the best structure and flavor.
  • Combining butter with mayonnaise for spreading helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior with a rich flavor.
  • Low and slow grilling prevents burning while allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
  • Covering the pan during grilling helps melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the bread.
  • Resting the sandwich before slicing helps avoid the cheese from oozing out excessively.
  • Customize toppings based on preference or omit any optional ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Keywords: grilled cheese, pizza sandwich, mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara, stovetop sandwich

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