Description
A delightful fusion of pizza flavors and the comfort of grilled cheese, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup mini beef pepperoni slices, or regular beef pepperoni, finely chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed & drained)
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
- 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained & chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
- Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
- 4-6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Soften butter (or combine with mayonnaise for blend).
- Grate and combine all cheeses.
- Prepare toppings: chop beef pepperoni, finely dice bell peppers/red onion (sauté & drain if desired), chop olives, chop fresh basil/measure oregano.
- Measure out pizza sauce.
- Lay out bread slices.
- Spread butter/butter-mayo on one side of all 8 bread slices.
- Place 4 slices, buttered-side down, as sandwich bottoms.
- Flip bottom slices, spread 1-2 tbsp pizza sauce on each unbuttered side.
- Sprinkle 1/4-1/3 of the cheese blend over sauce.
- Evenly distribute prepared toppings over cheese.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese blend over toppings.
- Top with remaining 4 buttered bread slices, buttered-side up.
- Carefully transfer two assembled sandwiches to the pan, buttered-side down.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Cover pan with a lid for 2-3 minutes to promote even cheese melt.
- Flip sandwiches, cover, and grill second side for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly and oozing.
- Transfer cooked sandwiches to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Rest sandwiches on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes; slice each sandwich diagonally.
- Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Choose sturdy bread for best results. Experiment with various toppings for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg