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Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe - Simple Easy Meals

Before diving into the delicious details of a pizza grilled cheese sandwich, let’s talk about what drinks and sides complement this masterpiece. A classic pairing is a fizzy soda or a light Italian sparkling water. The bubbles contrast nicely with the hearty sandwich. 
A side salad, like the Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas and fresh veggies, adds a refreshing crunch. For something extra, don't forget spicy marinara sauce for dipping. The sweet acidity plays well with the cheesy goodness. Trust me; you’re going to want to dip.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 498
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 slices of Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
  • 4 slices of mozzarella cheese, cut to 1/8-inch thickness
  • 18 slices of pepperoni microwaved for 20 seconds with excess grease blotted off
For the Garlic Butter:
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh or dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian herb blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of spice

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
  1. Start by making the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the three tablespoons of unsalted butter, parsley flakes, Italian herb blend, garlic powder, and salt. Mix them until smooth. This butter is going to be a game-changer when it comes to flavoring your bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. Spread a generous amount of that garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Now, flip two slices over (butter-side down) and layer on two slices of mozzarella cheese on each. Next, place a layer of pepperoni on top; pile on some grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Finally, cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Step 3: Grill Your Sandwich
  1. Head to the stove. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Let them grill until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
  1. Once perfectly golden, take them off the heat. Let them rest for a minute—trust me, melting cheese can be a hot mess if you bite into it too soon. Slice them in half, serve with marinara for dipping, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Unsalted Butter: The preferred choice for cooking, as it allows you to control salt levels.
  • Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread: I love this bread for its light crumb and robust structure; it crisps nicely without becoming overly dense.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture, while low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully.
  • Pepperoni: A classic that everyone loves. Microwaving helps reduce some grease for a crispier texture.
  • Garlic Powder: It gives a savory layer of flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A little goes a long way! It adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: An easy way to adjust the heat to your liking—use sparingly if you prefer less spice.