Pizza Grilled Cheese Melt (Printable version)
A melty sandwich with mozzarella, pizza sauce, and herbs for a quick, tasty lunch or snack.
# Ingredient list:
→ Bread
01 - 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread
→ Cheese
02 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ Spreads & Sauces
04 - 4 tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Toppings
06 - 8–10 slices pepperoni
07 - 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
# Directions:
01 - Spread 1 tablespoon softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices butter-side down on a clean surface. Spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice.
03 - Arrange mozzarella slices, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, oregano, and basil over the sauced bread.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1–2 minutes, slice diagonally, and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Its faster than delivery and hits that spot when you want pizza flavors but only have twenty minutes
- The way the butter gets crispy on the bread while the mozzarella turns into stretchy ribbons is something I dream about on bad days
- You can customize it with whatever pizza toppings are languishing in your vegetable drawer
02 -
- I once tried rushing this with high heat and ended up with burnt bread and unmelted cheese, patient medium heat is the secret
- If your cheese is not melting, cover the pan for a minute to trap the heat and finish the job without burning the bread
03 -
- Mayo instead of butter creates an even crispier crust and will not burn as easily
- Low moisture mozzarella slices work better than fresh mozzarella which releases too much water