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Ultimate Loaded Pizza Grilled Cheese

A golden, crispy grilled cheese sandwich loaded with marinara, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni on thick sourdough with a garlic butter crust, ready in 13 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 thick slices sourdough or Italian bread at least 3/4 inch thick
  • 1.5 tablespoons salted butter softened
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder mixed into butter or sprinkled over buttered surface
  • 2 tablespoons marinara or pizza sauce concentrated pizza sauce preferred
  • 0.5 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese or 2 thick slices
  • 8 slices pepperoni
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • fresh basil leaves optional
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Non-Stick Skillet
  • spatula
  • Skillet Lid

Method
 

  1. Mix the garlic powder into the softened butter. Spread the garlic butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
  2. Flip both slices so the buttered sides face down. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the unbuttered surfaces, stopping about half an inch from the edges.
  3. Layer half the mozzarella on one slice. Arrange the pepperoni in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes if using. Add the remaining mozzarella over the pepperoni.
  4. Place the second bread slice on top, buttered side facing out. Press gently to compress the sandwich slightly.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until deeply golden on the bottom.
  6. Flip carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. If the bread browns before the cheese fully melts, cover with a lid for 60 seconds to trap steam and melt the mozzarella.
  7. Remove from the skillet and rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally. Serve with extra marinara for dipping.

Notes

Storage: Best served fresh. Store leftovers wrapped in foil for up to 1 day. Reheat in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes or in a toaster oven to restore crunch. Avoid the microwave. Substitutions: Use provolone or muenster instead of mozzarella. Swap pepperoni for sauteed mushrooms or roasted peppers for a vegetarian version. Pro Tip: Use low-moisture shredded mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella to prevent a soggy interior. Keep heat at medium-low throughout to ensure the cheese melts before the crust burns. Serving: Pair with warm marinara for dipping, a Caesar salad, or tomato soup.