Description
A delicious fusion of classic grilled cheese and savory pizza, featuring crispy, buttery bread, melted mozzarella and Parmesan, tangy marinara, and turkey pepperoni for an irresistible, quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 slices turkey pepperoni
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened. If not pre-shredded, shred mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Have turkey pepperoni, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional fresh basil ready.
- Butter Bread: Generously spread softened butter on one side of each of the four bread slices. These buttered sides will face the pan.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Lay two unbuttered bread sides up on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer (approx. 1-1.5 tbsp per slice) of marinara sauce on each. Layer with half of the shredded mozzarella, then turkey pepperoni, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. If using, sprinkle fresh basil.
- Complete Assembly: Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Place the other two buttered bread slices on top, butter-side-up. Gently press down on each sandwich to secure fillings.
- Cook First Side: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes. Place sandwiches, butter-side down, into the preheated pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bottom is golden-brown and crispy, and cheese begins to soften. For extra melt, you may cover the pan for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Second Side: Using a wide spatula, carefully flip each sandwich. Continue to cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the second side is golden-brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and gooey.
- Serve: Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board. Let rest for 1-2 minutes, then cut each sandwich diagonally in half. Serve immediately, optionally with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pizza Grilled Cheese Melty