Pizza Grilled Cheese Delight

$- 2 slices of artisanal sourdough bread - 2 tablespoons savory pizza sauce - 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni or your preferred toppings - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) To make a tasty pizza grilled cheese, you'll need some great ingredients. First, choose artisanal sourdough bread for its crusty texture. Next, grab some savory pizza sauce. It adds that classic pizza flavor. Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese is key. It melts beautifully and gives that gooey feel we all love. You can use chopped pepperoni or any toppings you like. The dried oregano and garlic powder give the sandwich a boost in flavor. Don't forget unsalted butter; it helps create that golden crust. If you want, you can add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. They add a lovely touch and a bit of color. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a delightful treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat skillet Start by preheating a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This helps cook the bread evenly. 2. Buttering the bread Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This gives your sandwich a nice, golden crust. 3. Assembling the sandwich Place one slice of bread in the skillet, buttered side down. Spread 1 tablespoon of savory pizza sauce on the unbuttered side. Next, add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with chopped pepperoni and a sprinkle of dried oregano and garlic powder. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top, unbuttered side facing the toppings. 1. Cooking the first side Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the bottom slice turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. 2. Flipping the sandwich Carefully use a spatula to flip the sandwich over. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This side should also become golden brown and the cheese fully melted. 3. Cooking the second side Make sure both sides are crispy and golden. The cheese should be gooey and delicious. 1. Cooling the sandwich Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it cool for one minute on a cutting board. This helps the cheese set a bit. 2. Garnishing with fresh basil If you like, garnish your sandwich with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your Pizza Grilled Cheese! To get that perfect golden crust, choose the right bread. I love using artisanal sourdough bread. Its thick crust and soft inside create a great texture. You can also use other types like ciabatta or whole grain. Next, buttering techniques matter. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. This allows for an even and golden finish. Use about one tablespoon of butter for each slice. Make sure to cover the bread fully. For gooey, melty cheese, mozzarella is my top choice. It melts beautifully and stretches nicely. You can also mix in provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. To ensure the cheese melts well, layer it carefully. Start with a base of cheese on the pizza sauce. Add more cheese on top of your toppings. This helps trap the heat and melt the cheese evenly. To boost flavor, add seasoning. I recommend dried oregano and garlic powder. Sprinkle them on top of your cheese and toppings. This adds a tasty kick to each bite. You can also use different toppings for variety. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You can even swap out pepperoni for sausage or ham. The options are endless, and each choice adds its own twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella and high-quality toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich. Control the Heat: Keep your skillet at medium heat to prevent burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your grilled cheese with different toppings like bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added heat. Perfect Your Flip: Use a wide spatula to flip the sandwich carefully, ensuring the fillings stay intact and the bread remains golden brown. {{image_4}} For a fresh twist, try a Veggie Lover's Pizza Grilled Cheese. You can load it with great veggies. Here are some tasty options: - Sliced bell peppers - Fresh spinach - Mushrooms - Onions - Zucchini - Black olives These veggies add color and flavor. They work well with the gooey cheese, making your sandwich more fun. If you love meat, a Meat-Lovers Pizza Grilled Cheese is for you. You can mix and match your favorite meats. Here are the best choices: - Pepperoni - Cooked sausage - Ham - Bacon - Grilled chicken These meats bring a hearty taste. They make every bite satisfying. You can even combine different meats for a flavor explosion. For those who need gluten-free or vegan meals, you can still enjoy this dish. Here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. - Replace cheese with vegan cheese or avocado for a creamy feel. - Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. These changes keep the taste delicious. You won’t miss out on flavor or texture. Pizza Grilled Cheese can fit everyone’s needs! To store leftovers, let your pizza grilled cheese cool first. Then, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to refrigerate it as soon as possible. This step helps maintain the taste and texture. To reheat pizza grilled cheese, use a skillet on low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet without any oil or butter. Cover it with a lid. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side. You can also use a toaster oven for a crispier finish. Yes, you can freeze pizza grilled cheese! Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to one month. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned before for the best results. You can enjoy Pizza Grilled Cheese with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh garden salad - Crispy potato chips - A bowl of marinara sauce for dipping - Zesty pickles for a crunchy contrast These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. If you want to skip the butter, you have choices. Try these options: - Use olive oil for a light flavor - Use avocado oil for a healthy twist - Use non-stick cooking spray for easy cooking These alternatives work well and keep your sandwich tasty. Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough! This gives you a fun twist. You can roll out the dough and shape it like bread. Cut it to fit your skillet. This adds a delightful pizza crust to your grilled cheese. Enjoy the blend of flavors! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Pizza Grilled Cheese. You learned about the key ingredients, like artisanal bread and mozzarella, and followed clear, step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the sandwich. I shared tips for getting the perfect crust and melted cheese, plus variations for different tastes and storage info. Now you can enjoy this tasty twist on comfort food anytime. Get creative with toppings or try new flavors. Your perfect Pizza Grilled Cheese awaits!$

Pizza Grilled Cheese Delight

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, combining pizza flavors with gooey mozzarella and savory toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Ingredients

2 slices artisanal sourdough bread
2 tablespoons savory pizza sauce
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup chopped pepperoni
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating a non-stick skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm up for a few minutes.
While the skillet is heating, spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread, ensuring even coverage for a golden crust.
With the skillet ready, place one slice of bread in the skillet, buttered side down.
On the unbuttered side of this slice, generously spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce to create a flavorful base.
Evenly distribute half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce, creating a cheesy layer.
Top the cheese with the chopped pepperoni (or your chosen topping), then sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano and garlic powder over the toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
Finish this layer by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, ensuring a melty finish.
Carefully place the second slice of bread on top, with the unbuttered side facing the stacked cheese and toppings.
Cook the sandwich for approximately 3-4 minutes, monitoring it until the bottom slice is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Using a spatula, gently flip the sandwich over and allow the other side to cook for another 3-4 minutes, until that side is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute on a cutting board before slicing it in half.
If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a delightful touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden board with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Keyword comfort food, grilled cheese, pizza