I can hardly contain my excitement as I share with you one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: the Pizza Grilled Cheese! Imagine the classic comfort of a gooey grilled cheese sandwich combined with the delicious flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds!
This recipe brings me back to my college days when I would whip this up after late-night study sessions (or Netflix binges, let’s be real). Every bite is a perfect blend of melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara – pure heaven! Plus, it’s so easy to make, which is a total win when you’re craving something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and get started!
What’s in Pizza Grilled Cheese?
Italian Bread: I love using Italian bread for its crunchy crust and chewy interior, but feel free to use your favorite bread. Sourdough or even whole grain work great as well!
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty star of the show! I always opt for the shredded kind for easy layering, but fresh mozzarella is heavenly if you want to treat yourself.
Pepperoni Slices: These little circles of deliciousness add that classic pizza flavor. You can skip them for a vegetarian version, or swap them out for other toppings like veggies or cooked sausage.
Marinara Sauce: This tangy sauce ties everything together—don’t skimp on it! I usually go for a good quality store-bought sauce, but homemade is great too if you’ve got some on hand.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is key for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. I use unsalted so I can control the saltiness, but salted works as well if you’re in a pinch.
Italian Seasoning: This optional sprinkle adds a layer of herby goodness that really enhances the pizza vibe.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Just a little sprinkle on top during cooking makes for a flavor explosion! It browns beautifully and adds a touch of umami.
Fresh Parsley: Optional but highly recommended for garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich flavors.
Is Pizza Grilled Cheese Good for You?
Okay, let’s be honest – this isn’t a salad. But hey, who says comfort food can’t have its perks?
Mozzarella Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, which means you’re getting some nutritional benefits alongside your indulgence.
As for the pepperoni, while it brings tons of flavor, it is a bit on the oily side. You could always opt for turkey pepperoni or a plant-based version to keep things a bit lighter.
And that marinara sauce? That tangy goodness can actually provide some vitamins from the tomatoes. Just check the label and go for low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake.
So, while this sandwich is not exactly a superfood, it’s a fabulous treat to enjoy in moderation. Life is all about balance, right?
Ingredients
– 4 slices of Italian bread (or your preferred bread)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
*Serves 2*
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese?
1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the skillet.
4. On each piece of bread, layer half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by a layer of pepperoni slices. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over the pepperoni, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the other two slices of bread on top, buttered side up.
6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slices are golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.
7. Optional: Sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese during the last minute of cooking for added flavor.
8. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute. Slice the grilled cheese in half to reveal the gooey cheese and pizza filling.
9. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley.
Delicious Variations and Tips!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other pizza toppings like sliced black olives, red onions, or even some sautéed bell peppers.
– For a spicy kick, swap out the pepperoni for spicy Italian sausage or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
– This recipe is seriously adaptable, so use whatever cheese or toppings you have on hand!
– Try grilling it in a panini press for an even more effortless cooking experience.
I can’t wait for you to try this Pizza Grilled Cheese! Once you sink your teeth into that cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness, you’ll understand why it’s one of my go-to comforts. Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your thoughts or any fun twists you come up with! Happy cooking!
