Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining the gooey goodness of a classic grilled cheese with the savory flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It’s cheesy, it’s easy, and it’s oh-so-delicious! Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, this recipe will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 8 slices white bread
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces pepperoni
- Warm pizza sauce for dipping
Directions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Prep the Bread: Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Lay the bread slices, butter side up, on a sheet tray.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter side down. Layer with one slice of mozzarella cheese, six slices of pepperoni, another slice of mozzarella cheese, another six slices of pepperoni, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook the Sandwich: Cook until the bottom bread slice is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and cut the sandwich in half. Serve immediately with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Even Melting: Keep the heat at medium-low to ensure the bread gets golden brown while the cheese has enough time to melt completely.
- Customize: Feel free to add other pizza toppings like sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Butter Softening: Make sure the butter is very soft for easy mixing and spreading.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for a classic and comforting combination.
- Appetizer: Cut the sandwiches into smaller pieces to serve as appetizers at parties.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Provolone or cheddar can be great alternatives or additions to the mozzarella.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A: Yes, whole wheat or any other type of bread can be used, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this in a panini press?
A: Yes, a panini press works great for this recipe and helps to get an even golden brown crust.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-10 minutes (3-5 minutes per side)
- Total Time: 16-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Pizza Grilled Cheese! 🍕🧀
Recipe Card
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- – ½ cup unsalted butter very soft
- – 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- – 8 slices white bread
- – 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- – 6 ounces pepperoni
- – Warm pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- **Prepare the Butter Mixture**: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- **Prep the Bread**: Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Lay the bread slices, butter side up, on a sheet tray.
- **Assemble the Sandwich**: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter side down. Layer with one slice of mozzarella cheese, six slices of pepperoni, another slice of mozzarella cheese, another six slices of pepperoni, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese. Top with another slice of bread, butter side up.
- **Cook the Sandwich**: Cook until the bottom bread slice is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- **Serve**: Remove from the skillet and cut the sandwich in half. Serve immediately with warm pizza sauce for dipping.