Description

This Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the comfort of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the bold flavors of pizza. Featuring melted mozzarella and Parmesan, savory turkey pepperoni, and a vibrant marinara sauce, it’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
2 tbsp butter (softened)

Fillings and Seasonings

½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add an extra pizza-inspired flavor as the bread toasts.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread on a flat surface, buttered side down. Spread marinara sauce evenly on the inside of each slice. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by grated Parmesan, turkey pepperoni slices, and any additional toppings you prefer. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to help the sandwich brown evenly and the cheese melt thoroughly. Flip carefully to prevent fillings from spilling out.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly for about a minute. Slice the sandwiches in half and optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil for fresh flavor. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use your favorite bread type like sourdough for extra flavor and texture.
Customize toppings with vegetables or different meats to suit your taste.
To ensure the cheese melts properly, keep the heat at medium-low and cook slowly.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add sliced mushrooms or pepperoncini.
Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Lunch, Snack
Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Pizza grilled cheese, turkey pepperoni sandwich, easy grilled cheese, marinara grilled cheese, Italian grilled cheese