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Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Pizza Grilled Cheese, a delightful blend of classic grilled cheese and irresistible pizza flavors

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Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Creative Dipping Options:
Explore various dipping sauces beyond marinara, like ranch or pesto, to enhance the flavor experience. These alternatives add variety and personalization to your Pizza Grilled Cheese.
Slicing Techniques:
Let the sandwiches cool for a minute before slicing. This helps set the cheese and prevents it from spilling out when you cut through the bread.
Side Salad Preparation:
Mixing fresh vegetables just before serving preserves their crunch and flavor. Toss them with a simple olive oil dressing for a bright contrast to the rich sandwich.
Timing is Key:
Monitor cooking time carefully; typically, 3-4 minutes per side is ideal. Adjust timing based on your stove's heat output to avoid undercooked or burnt sandwiches.
Assembly Techniques:
Layer ingredients methodically: start with cheese, then pepperoni, and top with more cheese. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully, and the outer cheese layer helps keep it all together.
Achieving the Perfect Crust:
Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt. A slower cook ensures even browning while still allowing the cheese to reach that perfect gooey consistency.
Balancing Flavors:
Incorporate spices like Italian seasoning and garlic powder to mimic the familiar pizza taste. This combination elevates the sandwich beyond standard grilled cheese and makes it a truly unique dish.
Perfectly Melting Cheese:
Using freshly shredded mozzarella will melt better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. The goal is a gooey, stretchy cheese that pulls apart enticingly with each bite.
Choosing the Right Bread:
Opt for thick-cut sourdough or a sturdy white bread to ensure the sandwich holds its shape. The crustiness of the bread complements the melted cheese beautifully, creating a delightful crunch.
Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara

The Complete Guide to Mastering Pizza Grilled Cheese

Creative Dipping Options:
Explore various dipping sauces beyond marinara, like ranch or pesto, to enhance the flavor experience. These alternatives add variety and personalization to your Pizza Grilled Cheese.
Slicing Techniques:
Let the sandwiches cool for a minute before slicing. This helps set the cheese and prevents it from spilling out when you cut through the bread.
Side Salad Preparation:
Mixing fresh vegetables just before serving preserves their crunch and flavor. Toss them with a simple olive oil dressing for a bright contrast to the rich sandwich.
Timing is Key:
Monitor cooking time carefully; typically, 3-4 minutes per side is ideal. Adjust timing based on your stove's heat output to avoid undercooked or burnt sandwiches.
Assembly Techniques:
Layer ingredients methodically: start with cheese, then pepperoni, and top with more cheese. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully, and the outer cheese layer helps keep it all together.
Achieving the Perfect Crust:
Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt. A slower cook ensures even browning while still allowing the cheese to reach that perfect gooey consistency.
Balancing Flavors:
Incorporate spices like Italian seasoning and garlic powder to mimic the familiar pizza taste. This combination elevates the sandwich beyond standard grilled cheese and makes it a truly unique dish.
Perfectly Melting Cheese:
Using freshly shredded mozzarella will melt better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. The goal is a gooey, stretchy cheese that pulls apart enticingly with each bite.
Choosing the Right Bread:
Opt for thick-cut sourdough or a sturdy white bread to ensure the sandwich holds its shape. The crustiness of the bread complements the melted cheese beautifully, creating a delightful crunch.
Master Your Recipe
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
To reheat, place in a toaster oven or skillet to preserve the crispy texture.
Pair with a light side salad or potato chips for a complete meal.
For a milder flavor, replace pepperoni with cooked chicken or veggies like bell peppers and onions.
Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara

Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Pizza Grilled Cheese, a delightful blend of classic grilled cheese and irresistible pizza flavors. Using crispy sourdough bread, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni, this dish tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. The buttery, golden crust provides a satisfying crunch while the melted cheese creates a creamy, stretchy texture that's simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a fun lunch for kids, or even a late-night snack, this dish is sure to bring joy to every occasion. Whip it up when you're craving a comforting meal that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. You'll love the rich flavors and nostalgic feel of this Pizza Grilled Cheese, making it a recipe you'll return to time and time again.

Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Marinara
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
Chef
JUE
Category
Main Course
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Yield
4 servings
Dietary
Vegetarian
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
0% Complete

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:
01
8 slices sourdough bread, thick-cut for stability and texture
02
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, melted for gooeyness
03
1 cup sliced pepperoni, adds savory and slightly spicy flavors
04
1/2 cup marinara sauce, for dipping and a tangy finish
05
4 tablespoons butter, for browning and flavor enhancement
06
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, to elevate the pizza flavor
07
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, for an extra layer of taste
08
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
For the Side Salad:
09
2 cups fresh spinach, adds freshness and nutrition
10
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced for sweetness
11
1/4 cup sliced black olives, for a briny contrast
12
2 tablespoons olive oil, for dressing

Instructions

01
Step 1: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. While it warms, spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
02
Step 2: Once the skillet is hot, place four slices of bread butter-side down in the skillet.
03
Step 3: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice in the skillet, followed by a layer of pepperoni.
04
Step 4: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top of the pepperoni for enhanced flavor.
05
Step 5: Top each with another slice of bread, butter-side up, and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
06
Step 6: Carefully flip each sandwich and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is nicely browned and the cheese is melted.
07
Step 7: While the sandwiches finish cooking, prepare the side salad by tossing spinach, cherry tomatoes, and black olives in a bowl with olive oil.
08
Step 8: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet once done, allowing them to cool for a minute before slicing.
09
Step 9: Serve the Pizza Grilled Cheese hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
10
Step 10: Enjoy your delightful blend of flavors and textures with every crispy, cheesy bite!