Pizza Grilled Cheese Melt (Printer-Friendly Version)
Golden bread encases melted cheese, pizza sauce, and savory toppings for a delicious twist on classic flavors.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ 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
→ 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
→ Spices
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Optional for Dipping
12 -
½ cup warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Combine shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Prepare and chop olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, and cooked meat as needed. Arrange bread slices on a clean surface.
02 -
Spread pizza sauce evenly over 4 slices of bread. Layer each with the cheese mixture, then add chosen toppings. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cover with remaining bread slices and spread softened butter on the outside surfaces.
03 -
Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium. Place sandwiches butter-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip. Cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, pressing lightly with a spatula. Adjust heat to ensure cheese melts without burning bread.
04 -
Remove sandwiches once both sides are golden and cheese is melted. Let rest for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve with warm pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use hearty bread like sourdough or Italian for best texture. Spread butter evenly for uniform crispiness. Cooking over medium heat helps melt cheese thoroughly without burning the crust.