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This pizza grilled cheese sandwich brings two comfort food classics together in one delicious handheld meal. The gooey mozzarella stretches between crispy garlic butter bread while pepperoni adds that unmistakable pizza flavor everyone loves.
I created this recipe during a rainy weekend when my kids wanted pizza but I was short on time. The first bite convinced me this mashup deserved a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our house.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Very soft for easy spreading and creating that perfect golden crust
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty umami flavor that enhances the pizza experience
- Garlic powder: Infuses the butter with classic pizza shop flavor
- Italian seasoning blend: Contains all the herbs you'd expect on a great pizza
- White bread: Provides the perfect canvas but sourdough works beautifully too
- Mozzarella cheese: Select whole milk mozzarella for the best melt and stretch
- Pepperoni: Choose thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum flavor
- Pizza sauce: Look for a chunky variety with visible herbs for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create Compound Butter:
- Mix softened butter with Parmesan cheese garlic powder and Italian seasoning until completely combined. The butter should be very soft room temperature to ensure even distribution of seasonings. This flavored butter is what transforms a regular grilled cheese into a pizza experience.
- Prepare Bread:
- Spread the compound butter generously across one side of each bread slice ensuring coverage all the way to the edges. This creates a uniform golden crust and prevents any areas from burning. Place buttered slices on a sheet tray butter side up for easy assembly.
- Build Your Sandwich:
- Preheat skillet over medium low heat to ensure bread browns evenly without burning. Place first bread slice butter side down then layer with mozzarella pepperoni more mozzarella more pepperoni and final mozzarella slice. The cheese layering technique prevents pepperoni from sliding out and creates the perfect cheese pull.
- Cook To Golden Perfection:
- Top with second bread slice butter side up. Cook until bottom is golden brown approximately 3 to 5 minutes checking occasionally. Flip carefully using spatula and cook opposite side until equally golden and cheese is completely melted throughout.
- Serve Immediately:
- Remove from skillet and slice diagonally if desired. Serve alongside warm pizza sauce for dipping. The sauce should be heated but not boiling for best flavor experience.
The garlic butter is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this technique after experimenting with different ways to infuse pizza flavor into every bite. My daughter once called it "the best invention since actual pizza" which might be the highest compliment a ten year old can give.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its adaptability. Replace pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage mushrooms bell peppers or any pizza topping you enjoy. For vegetarians skip the meat entirely and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Those who prefer white pizza can omit the dipping sauce and add ricotta between cheese layers with fresh basil after cooking.
Storage Solutions
These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the cheese is at its stretchiest and the bread is perfectly crisp. If you need to make them ahead let them cool completely then wrap individually in parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. To reheat place in a dry skillet over medium low heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make the bread soggy.
Perfect Pairings
Serve these sandwiches with a side of marinara for dipping but consider expanding your dipping options with garlic butter sauce ranch dressing or even a balsamic glaze. For a complete meal pair with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette or a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.