Pizza Grilled Cheese

$To make a great pizza grilled cheese, you need a few key items: - 4 slices of sourdough bread - 4 tablespoons marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or any toppings you like) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter These ingredients blend well to create a tasty meal. Sourdough bread offers a nice crunch. The marinara sauce adds flavor and moisture. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, holding everything together. You can make your pizza grilled cheese unique by adding toppings. Here are some ideas: - Bell peppers - Mushrooms - Onions - Olives - Spinach Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings. This way, you can cater to your taste. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or spicy sausage. While mozzarella is classic, other cheeses can work too. Here are some good choices: - Provolone - Cheddar - Gouda - Fontina Each cheese brings its own flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a rich taste. Try different combinations to find your favorite blend. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your sourdough bread. You will need four slices. Spread one tablespoon of marinara sauce on one side of each slice. Make sure the sauce covers the bread well. This adds flavor and helps with the cheese melting. Now, take two of the slices with sauce. On the sauce side, layer half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning over the toppings for a burst of flavor. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, sauce side down, to make two sandwiches. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt one tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Place one sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. If you need, add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the second sandwich. Cut both sandwiches diagonally and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping. To get that gooey cheese, you need the right heat. Cook on medium heat, not high. This helps the cheese melt all the way through. I recommend using shredded mozzarella for its great stretch. Layer it thick; you want a cheesy bite in every slice. If you want more flavor, mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Sourdough is my favorite for this dish. It has a nice texture and flavor. Choose bread that is thick enough to hold the filling. You can also use whole grain or ciabatta if you like. Just make sure it’s fresh. The bread should crisp up nicely in the skillet. Italian seasoning is a great choice for this recipe. It adds a nice touch to your grilled cheese. For more flavor, try adding fresh basil or oregano. A sprinkle of garlic powder gives it a nice kick. Don't forget to season your toppings too, like pepperoni or veggies, to boost those flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded mozzarella and quality toppings can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures that the bread browns evenly while allowing the cheese to melt without burning. Experiment with Toppings: Don't hesitate to try different toppings like veggies or different meats to customize your grilled cheese experience. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair your sandwich with extra marinara sauce or even ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian pizza grilled cheese. Start by replacing pepperoni with veggies. I love using bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. These add great flavor and texture. You can also mix in some olives for a briny kick. Just layer them on the cheese before grilling. If you like heat, add some spice to your grilled cheese. Try using spicy pepperoni or hot Italian sausage. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on the cheese. For extra heat, add jalapeños or banana peppers. This gives your sandwich a nice, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. While marinara is classic, you can explore other sauces. Pesto adds a fresh flavor and bright green color. Alfredo sauce gives a creamy twist to the dish. BBQ sauce can make a sweet and smoky pizza grilled cheese. Feel free to experiment with any sauce you enjoy for a new flavor. To keep your Pizza Grilled Cheese fresh, let it cool first. Place the sandwiches in an airtight container. This helps keep the bread soft. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you use a plate, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This way, the sandwiches will not dry out. When you are ready to eat, reheat the sandwiches on the stove. Use a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet without any oil. This keeps the bread crispy. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. This method also works well. You can freeze Pizza Grilled Cheese for later use. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap tightly. Then, put them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make Pizza Grilled Cheese in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your sandwiches as usual. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a nice crisp on both sides. Plus, it melts the cheese evenly. The best cheese for Pizza Grilled Cheese is mozzarella. It melts perfectly and has a mild flavor. You can also mix in provolone or cheddar for a richer taste. If you want a tangy kick, try adding some fontina or gouda. These cheeses pair well with marinara sauce and toppings. To make a healthier version, use whole grain bread instead of sourdough. Choose low-fat cheese or a vegan cheese option. Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients. You can also reduce the butter or use a cooking spray to lower the fat. Enjoy a tasty dish that’s good for you! You learned how to make a tasty Pizza Grilled Cheese. We covered the best ingredients, like essential cheeses and fun toppings. You know the steps for preparing, assembling, and cooking. I shared tips for great melted cheese and the best bread choices. You also discovered delicious variations and smart storage tips. These simple ideas can help you create a meal that suits your taste. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring pizza flavors.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
4 tablespoons marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup pepperoni slices
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Begin by spreading 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
On two of the slices (the sauce side), layer 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
Add your choice of toppings on top of the cheese, arranging them evenly, and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the toppings.
Top with the remaining slices of bread, sauce side facing down, so that you have two sandwiches prepared.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Place one sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, adding the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet if needed. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and repeat with the second sandwich.
Once both sandwiches are cooked, cut them diagonally and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Keyword grilled cheese, pizza, sandwich