Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

I love reinventing familiar dishes with creative twists. My latest Dinner Grilled Cheese combines thick Italian bread layered with a generous spread of pizza sauce and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Fresh pepperoni slices and a hint of oregano round out a simple recipe that promises delightful surprise.

I recently came up with a fun twist on my favorite grilled cheese recipes that i just had to share. This Pizza Grilled Cheese will leave your taste buds asking for more!

I started with 2 thick slices of Italian bread, slathering them with 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce and layering 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese. Then i added 6-8 slices of pepperoni, a dash of 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and if you’re into a little kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

I melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus a little extra for the pan) until it’s just right and grill until the cheese is perfectly melty and the bread is satisfyingly crispy. This isn’t your basic griddle grilled cheese, its a unique mix that makes me think about Pizza Inspired Appetizers and even dinner grilled cheese on game day.

Its definitely a must-try for anyone who loves a twist on the classic sandwich.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe cuz it reminds me of a perfect combo of two comfort foods I love. First, I adore how the crispy, buttery Italian bread gets all golden and crunchy when grilled lettin me enjoy every bite. Second, the gooey mix of mozzarella and cheddar is just irresistible and it melts into the pizza sauce in a way that feels like a warm hug. Third, the pepperoni slices add a spicy kick that balances out the savory cheeses and sauce, making every mouthful super flavorful. Lastly, I enjoy making it since its simple enough to prepare on a lazy afternoon, yet it feels like I’m cooking up something extra special every time.

Ingredients

• Italian Bread: Gives you plenty of carbohydrates that energize and keep you full.

  Its thick and chewy texture adds a hearty base.

• Unsalted Butter: This fat boosts flavor and helps in that perfect golden crust.

  It melts into the bread and blends with everything.

• Pizza Sauce: It packs a tangy tomato burst with a hint of sweetness.

  Plus, its loaded with vitamins and a bit of fiber.

• Mozzarella and Cheddar: Both are great sources of protein and add a rich, gooey melt.

  Their combined flavors elevate the whole dish.

• Pepperoni: This adds a spicy, meaty kick and extra protein that makes each bite savory and exciting.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 thick slices of Italian bread
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (plus a little extra for the pan)
• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6-8 slices of pepperoni
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your skillet on medium-low heat and add a little extra butter to coat the pan.

2. Butter one side of each thick Italian bread slice with the tablespoon of unsalted butter.

3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly on the unbuttered side of both slices.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce on one slice.

5. Top with the shredded cheddar, making sure it’s covered evenly.

6. Place the 6-8 slices of pepperoni on the cheese.

7. Dust the toppings with dried oregano and add the red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

8. Close the sandwich by placing the second slice on top, buttered side up.

9. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

10. Carefully flip it and grill the other side until the cheeses have melted; remove from pan, let it cool a bit, then slice and serve hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Nonstick skillet
2. Butter knife
3. Spatula
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cutting board and a regular knife for slicing the sandwich once it’s done

FAQ

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of Italian bread, you could use sourdough or ciabatta which gives a nice, tangy twist
• If you dont have unsalted butter, try olive oil or even a bit of margarine for that crispy feel
• You can replace pizza sauce with marinara sauce that has a richer flavour profile
• Swap mozzarella cheese with provolone or Monterey Jack cheese for a different melt and flavor
• If you aren’t really into pepperoni, try using sliced salami or even some seasoned mushrooms for a veg option

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you heat up your skillet properly before you even start, cuz if its not hot enough, your bread wont get that perfect golden color and crispiness.
2. When that cheese starts to melt, you can put a lid on the pan for like a minute to help it melt evenly, but dont leave it too long or the bread might get soggy.
3. Take your time flipping the sandwich carefully so you dont lose any sauce or cheese, and that way you avoid a messy break in the middle.
4. Let the sandwich cool for a couple minutes after you take it out of the pan so you dont end up burning your tongue and the flavors settle in just right.