Description

This Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the comforting meltiness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the bold flavors of pizza. Featuring a garlic Parmesan butter spread, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce between thick slices of sourdough or Italian bread, this sandwich is pan-cooked to golden perfection for a crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful interior.

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Parmesan Butter Mixture

1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Sandwich

8 thick slices of sturdy bread (sourdough or Italian)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
24 thin slices of pepperoni

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Instructions

Preheat the skillet: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to ensure even, gentle cooking without burning the bread.
Make garlic Parmesan butter: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the softened unsalted butter with grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt to create a flavorful spread.
Butter bread bases: Spread half of the garlic Parmesan butter mixture on one side of 4 bread slices, then place these buttered sides down onto the warmed skillet to begin toasting.
Assemble sandwich layers: On the skillet-toasted side of the bread, spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, then add 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 6 slices of pepperoni, and more shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Add top bread slices: Spread pizza sauce on one side of the remaining 4 bread slices and place them sauce-side down over the cheese and pepperoni layers. Spread the remaining garlic Parmesan butter on the top sides of these bread slices.
Cook sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside has fully melted.
Serve: Allow sandwiches to cool slightly before cutting them in half. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian to hold the fillings well without becoming soggy.
Cooking on medium-low heat prevents burning while allowing cheese to melt properly.
Adding extra mozzarella on both sides of pepperoni creates a gooey, melty texture.
Adjust pepperoni quantity to taste or substitute with other pizza toppings.
Serve with warmed pizza or marinara sauce for an enhanced dipping experience.