Pizza Grilled Cheese (Printer-Friendly)
Golden toasted bread with melted cheese, zesty sauce, and savory toppings for a delicious meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread
01 -
8 slices Italian or sourdough bread
→ Butter
02 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Cheese
03 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 -
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Sauce
05 -
½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
→ Toppings
06 -
¼ cup sliced black olives
07 -
¼ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
08 -
¼ cup finely chopped green bell peppers
09 -
¼ cup cooked ground beef or turkey sausage crumbles
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Optional Dipping Sauce
12 -
½ cup warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Prepare and chop olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cooked meat as desired. Arrange bread slices on a clean surface.
02 -
Spread pizza sauce evenly over 4 slices of bread. Layer the cheese mixture on top, followed by chosen toppings. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Cover with remaining bread slices and spread softened butter on the outer sides.
03 -
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches butter-side down and cook 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula. Reduce heat if needed to melt cheese thoroughly without burning bread.
04 -
Remove sandwiches once both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted. Let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally. Serve with warm pizza sauce or marinara for dipping.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Use hearty bread such as sourdough or Italian to maintain structure and enhance flavor.
02 -
Spread butter evenly to ensure a uniformly crispy crust.
03 -
Cook over medium heat to allow cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.