Looking for a quick, indulgent meal that combines the best of two beloved comfort foods? Look no further than Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese! This mouthwatering recipe brings together the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza with the crispy, buttery delight of grilled cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
Garlic Parmesan Butter:
1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Grilled Cheese:
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
Instructions:
Prepare the Skillet: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread half of the garlic Parmesan butter mixture onto one side of 4 bread slices. Place them buttered side down in the skillet.
Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each slice in the skillet.
Add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 6 slices of pepperoni, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Spread pizza sauce on one side of the remaining bread slices and place them sauce side down on top of the cheese and pepperoni layers.
Spread the remaining garlic Parmesan butter on top of the bread slices.
Cook the Sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut them in half and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Serving Tips:
Dipping Sauce: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese hot with a side of extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. The added sauce enhances the pizza flavor and adds a delightful tangy element.
Side Dish Pairings: Complement your sandwiches with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. These lighter sides balance out the richness of the grilled cheese.
Garnish: Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese or some fresh chopped basil over the sandwiches for a pop of flavor and color.
Serving Platter: Arrange the sandwiches on a large serving platter for a family-style meal or cut them into smaller pieces for an appetizer or party snack.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store the cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the original cooking instructions.
Avoiding Sogginess: To maintain the crispiness of the bread, avoid microwaving the sandwiches as it can make the bread soggy. Stick to reheating methods that use dry heat, like the skillet or oven.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While mozzarella cheese provides the classic pizza flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Each type of cheese will bring a unique taste and texture to your sandwich.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with a vegetarian alternative. You can also add other pizza toppings such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to make a delicious vegetarian version of this sandwich.
How can I make the sandwiches less greasy?
To reduce greasiness, you can use a non-stick skillet or griddle to cook the sandwiches without additional oil. Additionally, blot the pepperoni slices with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich to remove excess oil. Using whole grain or lighter bread can also help absorb less butter.
Can I prepare the garlic Parmesan butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic Parmesan butter ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can save you time when you’re ready to make the sandwiches. Just allow the butter to soften slightly before spreading it on the bread for easy application.
Conclusion:
Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese is a perfect blend of two classic favorites, making it an ideal choice for a delicious, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness and the rich flavors of garlic Parmesan butter with every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese. Combining the cheesy goodness of pizza and the crispy delight of grilled cheese, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal. Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese, easy lunch recipe, comfort food.
Ingredients
Garlic Parmesan Butter:
1/4 cup softened unsalted butter
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Grilled Cheese:
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
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread half of the garlic Parmesan butter mixture onto one side of 4 bread slices. Place them buttered side down in the skillet.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each slice in the skillet, then add 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 6 slices of pepperoni, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Spread pizza sauce on one side of the remaining bread slices, and place them sauce side down on top of the cheese and pepperoni layers. Spread the remaining garlic Parmesan butter on top of the bread slices.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let the sandwiches cool slightly, then cut them in half and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Grilling
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sandwiches
- Calories: 450 kcal
