Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Butter the Bread:

Start by laying out your slices of bread. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice. This will give you that golden-brown, crispy texture when the sandwich is cooked.

2. Shred the Cheese:

If you’re using shredded mozzarella, have it ready in a small bowl. If you prefer sliced mozzarella, you can use pre-sliced or slice it yourself from a block.

3. Get Your Sauce Ready:

Pour about 1/4 cup of marinara or pizza sauce into a small bowl. You’ll use this sauce for both spreading inside the sandwich and for dipping, if desired.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Grilled Cheese

1. Spread Sauce on the Bread:

Take two of your slices of bread (buttered side down), and spread about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice. This will give the sandwich that classic pizza flavor.

2. Add the Mozzarella:

Evenly sprinkle or lay shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed so that each bite is cheesy and delicious.

3. Add Your Toppings:

Now it’s time to add your favorite pizza toppings. Lay pepperoni slices (or any other toppings you like) on top of the cheese. Keep in mind that you don’t want to overfill the sandwich—just a few slices of pepperoni or some thinly sliced veggies will do the trick. Sprinkle with a bit of oregano and garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

4. Top with More Cheese:

For an extra cheesy sandwich, add a little more shredded mozzarella or even Parmesan cheese on top of your toppings.

5. Top with the Second Slice of Bread:

Place the second slice of bread (buttered side up) on top of the cheese and toppings, creating your sandwich.

Step 3: Cook the Sandwich

1. Heat the Skillet:

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, gently place the sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down.

2. Cook Until Golden Brown:

Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread toast evenly. Be careful not to press too hard—you don’t want to squish the sandwich, just ensure even browning.

3. Flip and Continue Cooking:

Carefully flip the sandwich using your spatula and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. This should take another 3-4 minutes. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to ensure the cheese has time to melt without burning the bread.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve:

Once the sandwich is golden brown on both sides, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute before slicing it in half diagonally (this makes for the ultimate cheese pull!).

2. Serve with Extra Marinara Sauce:

Serve your Pizza Grilled Cheese with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of pizza flavor to each bite.

3. Garnish with Fresh Basil (Optional):

For a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation, garnish your sandwich with a few torn basil leaves.