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Cheesy Goodness

This pizza-inspired grilled cheese combines layers of mozzarella and pepperoni between garlic-Parmesan buttered bread. Served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Sides.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:45 GMT
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A gooey, layered grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheese and pepperoni, served on a wooden board. Pin it
A gooey, layered grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheese and pepperoni, served on a wooden board. | zestplate.com

Want the ultimate comfort food mash-up? Let me introduce you to pizza grilled cheese! I created this when I couldn't decide between pizza and grilled cheese one night and wow what a perfect match. Think crispy buttery bread stuffed with melty mozzarella pepperoni and all your favorite pizza flavors. It's so good my kids ask for it more than regular pizza now!

Why You'll Love This

First off it's ready in minutes perfect for those hungry-right-now moments! You can add whatever pizza toppings you love and even the pickiest eaters get excited about this one. It's like your two favorite comfort foods had a delicious baby!

Round Up These Ingredients

  • Real Butter: Makes that outside perfectly crispy.
  • Good Cheese: Mozzarella for meltiness plus some Parm.
  • Pizza Stuff: Pepperoni herbs marinara sauce.
  • Great Bread: Pick something sturdy it's got a job to do!
  • Extra Flavors: Garlic powder Italian seasoning make it sing.

Let's Make Magic

Flavor That Butter
Mix your softened butter with Parmesan garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This is your secret weapon!
Build Your Sandwich
Spread that fancy butter on your bread. Layer on mozzarella pepperoni more cheese because why not?
Get Cooking
Keep your heat medium-low we want the cheese to melt before the bread burns. Press down gently with your spatula helps everything get melty.
Flip With Care
When the bottom's golden brown carefully flip it over. Second side cooks faster watch it close!
Time To Eat
Cut it in half watch that cheese pull! Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping pure heaven!

Make It Perfect

Don't rush the cooking low and slow wins here. Want extra crunch? Sprinkle some Parm right on the buttered outside. Using fresh mozzarella? Pat it dry first or your sandwich gets soggy. And always always have extra sauce for dipping!

A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. | zestplate.com

Serving Ideas

Eat this while it's hot that's when the cheese pull is amazing! Got leftovers? Heat them up in a pan never the microwave keeps them crispy. Want to make it a meal? Add a little salad on the side cuts through all that richness.

Fun Twists

Try adding some baby spinach makes it feel fancy and healthy! Cook it nice and slow that's what Bobby Flay would do. And always grate your own cheese just like Ina says it really does melt better!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use softened butter?

Ensures even spreading and better browning of bread when grilled.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Mozzarella provides best pizza flavor but other melting cheeses work.

→ Why cook on medium-low?

Allows cheese to melt fully without burning bread exterior.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Yes, try mushrooms, peppers or other pizza toppings.

→ Why triple layer the cheese?

Creates optimal melting and helps hold pepperoni in place.

Pizza Grilled Cheese

A decadent grilled cheese sandwich featuring triple layers of mozzarella, pepperoni and seasoned garlic butter spread.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
05 8 slices white bread.
06 12 slices mozzarella cheese.
07 6 ounces pepperoni.
08 Pizza sauce for dipping.

Instructions

Step 01

Thoroughly combine softened butter with grated Parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning in medium bowl until completely smooth.

Step 02

Carefully spread seasoned butter mixture evenly across one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to edges.

Step 03

Arrange buttered bread slices in single layer on sheet tray with buttered sides facing upward.

Step 04

Heat large skillet over medium-low heat until warm but not hot to prevent burning butter.

Step 05

Place first bread slice in skillet butter-side down, ensuring even contact with pan surface.

Step 06

Layer first slice of mozzarella cheese evenly over bread in skillet.

Step 07

Arrange six pepperoni slices evenly across first cheese layer.

Step 08

Add second slice of mozzarella cheese over pepperoni layer.

Step 09

Place remaining six pepperoni slices evenly over second cheese layer.

Step 10

Top with final slice of mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage.

Step 11

Place second bread slice on top with butter side facing upward.

Step 12

Cook 3-5 minutes until bottom bread achieves golden brown color.

Step 13

Carefully flip entire sandwich using spatula, maintaining cheese layers.

Step 14

Cook additional 3-5 minutes until second side browns and cheese melts completely.

Step 15

Serve immediately with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. Triple cheese layers.
  2. Pizza flavors.
  3. Quick preparation.
  4. Perfect comfort food.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Sheet tray.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Wheat (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 24 g