Description
Crispy grilled cheese meets classic pizza in this mouthwatering fusion dish that blends melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce between golden-brown bread slices. Quick and simple preparation makes this comfort meal an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Cheese:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Bread and Spread:
- 8 slices bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- fresh basil or oregano (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a skillet or griddle to medium temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface.
- Generously coat one side of each bread slice with softened butter for optimal browning and flavor.
- Arrange 4 bread slices butter-side down on the heated cooking surface.
- Distribute pizza sauce uniformly across the unbuttered bread surface.
- Create a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
- Layer pepperoni slices across the cheese for additional savory depth.
- Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the toppings.
- Crown each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice transforms into a golden-brown crispy texture and cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully invert each sandwich using a spatula, allowing the opposite side to achieve a similar golden-brown appearance and ensuring complete cheese melting.
- Finish by dusting with grated Parmesan and garnishing with fresh basil or oregano for a vibrant presentation.
- Plate and serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and gooey.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Swap pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Enhance the dish by adding a side of marinara sauce for dipping, creating an extra layer of pizza-inspired deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg