The Grilled Pizza Sandwich is a delightful fusion of pizza and a grilled cheese sandwich. Its crispy exterior encases gooey, melted cheese and flavorful pizza toppings, making it a perfect option for kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you’re craving pizza without the hassle of dough preparation.
Ingredients (Makes 2 sandwiches):
- 4 slices of bread (white, wheat, sourdough, or any preferred type)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 12-16 pepperoni slices (or toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Optionally sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning onto the buttered sides for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place the bread slices buttered side down. Spread pizza sauce evenly on the unbuttered side of two slices.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of the sauce. Add pepperoni or other toppings. Finish with the remaining cheese.
- Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Cooking Options:
- Stovetop:
- Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sandwiches in the basket (do not overlap). Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cheese is melted.
- Stovetop:
- Serve:
- Let the sandwiches cool slightly. Cut them in halves or quarters and garnish with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with marinara or extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich):
- Calories: ~380-420 (varies based on ingredients)
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~18g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~950mg
Note: Adjust toppings and bread type to modify nutritional content.
Recipe Cook Time:
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time:
- Stovetop: 6-8 minutes
- Air Fryer: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: ~15 minutes
Caption Ideas:
- “Pizza meets grilled cheese in this crispy, gooey masterpiece!” 🍕🥪
- “All your pizza cravings wrapped in a sandwich—quick, easy, and delicious!”
- “Grilled Pizza Sandwich: When you can’t decide between pizza or a sandwich—why not both?”
Would you like a variation or suggestions for specific dietary preferences (e.g., low-carb, vegan)?
