Pizza Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

A fusion of melted mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara, and toasted Italian bread.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices Italian bread or sourdough

→ Cheese & Meats

02 - 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
03 - 12 to 16 slices pepperoni

→ Sauce

04 - 1/4 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping

→ For Cooking

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Lay out the bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each.
02 - Place two slices of bread butter side down on a clean surface and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each.
03 - Evenly layer mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by pepperoni slices.
04 - Top with the remaining bread slices butter side up to form two sandwiches.
05 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Place the sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from the pan and allow them to rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally.
08 - Serve hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like pizza and grilled cheese had the most delicious baby, ready in under 20 minutes.
  • The marinara keeps everything moist while the cheese gets impossibly gooey, and pepperoni crisps up just enough.
  • You only need a skillet and basic pantry staples, so it's perfect for lazy weeknights or impressing hungry friends.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here; high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crispy shell and cold filling.
  • Don't skip the resting minute, or you'll end up with melted cheese running everywhere when you cut into it, and while delicious, that's not as fun to eat.
03 -
  • Butter the outside of the bread generously but evenly; it's the difference between golden and burnt, and it's also what creates those crispy edges that make this sandwich addictive.
  • If your kitchen gets cold, let the butter soften at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading it, because cold butter will tear the bread.
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