Pizza Grilled Cheese: The Perfect Combination of Two Comfort Foods

What could be better than the marriage of two classic comfort foods—pizza and grilled cheese? This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe brings together the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella, the savory flavor of pepperoni, and the crispy, buttery exterior of grilled cheese, all with a pizza twist. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun party food, or a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft: The key to a perfectly crispy grilled cheese is soft butter, which ensures that the bread browns evenly and gets that golden, crunchy texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning in your sandwich.
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor to the butter mixture, giving the sandwich an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder brings a subtle, savory flavor that enhances the pizza-like taste of the sandwich.
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs—typically including basil, oregano, and thyme—gives the sandwich that signature pizza flavor.
• 8 slices white bread: White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese because it crisps up nicely and has a mild flavor that lets the cheese and toppings shine. You can also use sourdough or whole wheat for a different twist.
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the quintessential pizza cheese, known for its meltability and mild, creamy flavor. It creates that irresistible cheesy pull when you bite into the sandwich.
• 6 ounces pepperoni: Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that adds a slightly spicy, meaty flavor. You can also use other toppings like ham, sausage, or vegetables.
• Warm pizza sauce for dipping: Pizza sauce on the side adds an extra burst of tomato flavor and makes this sandwich feel even more like pizza. It’s perfect for dipping!

Directions:

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well-combined. This flavorful butter mixture will coat the outside of the bread, giving it a deliciously savory and crispy finish. The Parmesan cheese melts into the butter, creating little pockets of cheesy goodness on the crust.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Spread the butter mixture evenly onto one side of each slice of bread. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges for even browning and maximum flavor.
   • Place the bread slices, butter side up, on a sheet tray to keep things organized as you build your sandwiches.
   • On the unbuttered side of one slice, place a slice of mozzarella cheese. Then, layer six slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese. Add another slice of mozzarella, followed by six more slices of pepperoni, and finally, top with a third slice of mozzarella. This triple layer of cheese ensures that every bite is full of melty, gooey goodness.
   • Top the sandwich with another slice of bread, butter side up, to complete the assembly.
3. Cook the Sandwich:
   • Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. It’s important to cook the sandwiches on medium-low to give the cheese time to melt without burning the bread.
   • Place one of the assembled sandwiches into the skillet, butter side down. Cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
   • Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches immediately, while they’re still hot and the cheese is gooey. Serve them with warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of crispy bread, melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce is pure perfection.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Fresh Bread for the Best Results: Fresh bread will give you the best texture and flavor for your sandwiches. If your bread is a bit stale, you can still use it, but fresh bread will give you that soft, fluffy interior and crispy exterior that makes grilled cheese so irresistible.
• Customize with Your Favorite Toppings: One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap out the pepperoni for your favorite pizza toppings, like ham, sausage, or vegetables. You can also add extra seasonings to the butter mixture, like crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
• Perfect for Parties, Game Days, or Quick Snacks: These Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches are incredibly versatile. They make a fun and easy party snack, a great option for game day, or a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. You can even cut them into smaller pieces for bite-sized party treats.
• Switch Up the Cheese: While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for pizza flavors, you can also experiment with other types of cheese. Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for an extra cheesy flavor, or add a bit of sharp cheddar for a tangy twist.
• Try Different Breads: While white bread is a classic choice, you can also try using different types of bread to change up the flavor and texture. Sourdough adds a bit of tang, while whole wheat adds a nutty flavor. For an extra indulgent treat, try using garlic bread or focaccia as the base for your sandwich.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Grilled Cheese:

• Comfort Food at Its Finest: Pizza and grilled cheese are two of the most beloved comfort foods, and this recipe combines the best of both worlds. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s quick, easy, and requires no special skills or equipment.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making this for yourself or serving it at a party, Pizza Grilled Cheese is sure to be a hit. The combination of familiar flavors and the fun twist on a classic makes it a dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you want to keep it simple with just cheese and pepperoni, or load it up with all your favorite pizza toppings, the possibilities are endless.

Storing and Reheating:

• Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread may lose some of its crispiness, but the sandwiches will still be delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to help restore some of the crispiness.

Final Thoughts:

Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mash-up of two beloved comfort foods. With its crispy, buttery bread, melty cheese, and flavorful pepperoni, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a party snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a dish that’s satisfying, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious.