Pizza Grilled Cheese
Sometimes one has to give into ones basest desires, and this is one of those times. A naughty but irresistible combination of two classic comfort foods—the pizza slice and the grilled cheese—into one glorious marriage of crispy sourdough, oozing cheese, savory pepperoni and zingy tomato sauce. Remember to add dried oregano and chili flake (if you so desire) for that true pizza parlor experience. Perfect for the kids, perfect for those 1am cravings and everything in between.
Makes 2
INGREDIENTS
4 slices sourdough bread
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup jarred tomato sauce
½-¾ cup fresh mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
12-14 pepperoni slices (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Basil leaves
Chili flake (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
METHOD
Preheat oven to broil.
Brush two sourdough slices on one side with mayonnaise, then sprinkle generously with grated parmesan and press to adhere. Set aside.
With the two remaining slices, spread 2 tbsp of tomato sauce on each slice, then add a quarter of the mozzarella in a thin layer, add 3-4 pepperoni slices and basil leaves. Sprinkle with parmesan, season with salt and pepper and top with the prepared sourdough slices (mayo and parm facing out) and gently press down.
Over a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat, add olive oil and carefully invert sandwiches onto the pan with parm/mayo side down. Spread the top slices with mayo then sprinkle with parmesan and press with a spatula to adhere. Let cook for 3-4 minutes or until underside is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches, then cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until underside is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Remove skillet from heat. If using a non-stick skillet transfer to a sheet pan. Top each grilled cheese with the remaining tomato sauce, followed by the remaining mozzarella, then top with remaining pepperoni (crowd them in, the pepperoni will shrink under the broiler).
Broil until mozzarella is melted and pepperoni is warmed and crisp on the edges.
To serve, sprinkle with dried oregano and chili flakes if desired, garnish with basil leaves, then cut and serve immediately.