Pizza Grilled Cheese (Print version)

Crisp buttery bread stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and a little marinara, served hot with extra sauce for dipping.

# Ingredients:

For the sandwiches

01 - 8 slices sourdough or Italian bread

02 - 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened

03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

04 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

05 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella

06 - 4 slices provolone cheese

07 - 24 slices pepperoni, about 3 oz (85 g)

08 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) marinara sauce, plus 3/4 cup (180 ml) warmed for dipping

09 - 8 fresh basil leaves, torn

10 - 1 tablespoon grated parmesan, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Stir the softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning until evenly mixed.

02 - Spread about 1 tablespoon marinara on 4 bread slices. Layer with mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, and basil, then close with the remaining bread.

03 - Spread seasoned butter on the outside of each sandwich. Sprinkle a little parmesan onto the buttered sides if using.

04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sandwiches and cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing lightly, until deeply golden underneath.

05 - Turn the sandwiches carefully and cook 3-4 minutes more, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.

06 - Rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve hot with the warmed marinara for dipping.

# Good to know:

01 - Use only a thin layer of sauce inside the sandwich to prevent soggy bread.

02 - Best served immediately while the cheese is stretchy.

03 - Cook over medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread gets too dark.

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