Description

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious fusion of classic grilled cheese and your favorite pizza flavors. Featuring Italian bread layered with mozzarella, marinara sauce, and optional pepperoni or sausage, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a snack. Cooked on a skillet until golden brown and melty, it’s served with extra pizza sauce for dipping and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich

4 slices Italian bread or sourdough
2 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sliced pepperoni or chopped cooked sausage (optional)
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
Assemble the sandwich base: Place two buttered slices of bread, butter side down, on a preheated skillet or griddle. Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice.
Add toppings: Evenly distribute half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add the pepperoni or cooked sausage if using. Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Optionally, add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
Top the sandwich: Spread a little more pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of the remaining two bread slices. Place these slices on top of the prepared ones, butter side up to ensure even toasting.
Cook the sandwich: Over medium heat, cook the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Gently press with a spatula to help the cheese melt and ensure even browning. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and slice in half. Serve warm with extra marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers for added flavor and texture.
For extra crispiness and grill marks, use a panini press or cast-iron skillet to cook the sandwich instead of a regular skillet.
If you want a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni or sausage.
Ensure the butter is softened to spread easily, which helps achieve an even crisp on the bread.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course, Snack
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired