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Ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza grilled cheese sandwich cut in half showing melted mozzarella and pepperoni filling
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The ultimate comfort food mashup with crispy, buttery bread, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices, or regular pepperoni, finely chopped
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed and drained)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced black olives, drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
  • 4–6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Soften butter and combine with mayonnaise if using. Grate and mix all cheeses together. Prepare toppings by chopping pepperoni, dicing and sautéing vegetables if using, chopping olives and herbs, and ensuring cooked items are well-drained.
  2. Lay out 8 bread slices and spread butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of each slice. This will be the exterior that faces down in the pan first.
  3. Place 4 slices buttered-side down. Spread 1-2 tablespoons pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of each.
  4. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup cheese blend over sauce on each sandwich. Distribute toppings evenly over cheese. Top with remaining cheese blend, about 1/3 cup per sandwich.
  5. Place remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. Gently press to secure fillings.
  6. Preheat large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Transfer two sandwiches to pan, buttered-side down. Grill for 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown without pressing. Cover with lid for 2-3 minutes to melt cheese.
  8. Flip sandwiches carefully, cover, and grill second side for 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Total cook time 10-15 minutes per sandwich.
  9. Transfer cooked sandwiches to wire rack. Repeat cooking process with remaining two sandwiches.
  10. Rest sandwiches on cutting board for 2-3 minutes. Slice diagonally with serrated knife and serve with warm marinara sauce and optional red pepper flakes.

Notes

  • Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast to prevent sogginess. Low-moisture mozzarella is crucial for proper melting without excess liquid.
  • Cook on medium-low heat – patience ensures golden bread and fully melted cheese. Don’t press sandwiches while cooking as this squeezes out cheese.
  • Mixing mayonnaise with butter creates an extra crispy, golden crust. Can prep sandwiches up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/easy-pizza-grilled-cheese/