Grilled Pizza Sandwich with Bacon, Pepperoni, and Mozzarella (35-37 Minutes)

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This grilled pizza sandwich is a mouthwatering, multi-layered delight that combines the best of a pizza and a grilled cheese sandwich.

With layers of crispy bacon, spicy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, fresh arugula, and juicy tomato slices, all sandwiched between slices of bread and grilled to perfection, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 22 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 slices of bread
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 24 slices pepperoni
  • 12 slices cooked bacon
  • 2 balls of fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup softened butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients (10 minutes): Ensure all your ingredients are ready to go: cook the bacon until crispy, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and have the arugula and pepperoni handy.
  2. Assemble the sandwiches (10 minutes):
    • Lay out 4 slices of bread on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each slice.
    • Add 3 slices of pepperoni on top of the tomato sauce on each slice.
    • Add 2 slices of cooked bacon on top of the pepperoni.
    • Add a layer of sliced mozzarella on top of the bacon.
    • Add a layer of fresh arugula and then top with 2-3 tomato slices.
    • Place another slice of bread on top of each, and repeat the layering process: tomato sauce, pepperoni, bacon, mozzarella, arugula, and tomato slices.
    • Finish with a third slice of bread on each sandwich.
  3. Butter the sandwiches (2 minutes): Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the top slice of bread of each sandwich.
  4. Grill the sandwiches (10-15 minutes):
    • Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
    • Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, onto the skillet. Carefully spread a thin layer of butter on the top slice of bread.
    • Grill each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  5. Serve: Once the sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skillet. Allow them to cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula while grilling. You can also use a panini press if you have one for even grilling.

If you prefer, you can add other toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Serve these hearty grilled pizza sandwiches with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy the perfect blend of pizza and grilled cheese in every bite.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1800mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Marinara

Kick things off with some ripe, juicy tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. In a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they're translucent. As they soften, they'll lay the aromatic foundation for your sauce. Next, add in the tomatoes, either crushed or finely diced, depending on your texture preference. To elevate the flavors, toss in some seasonings: salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Herbs like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf can be added to infuse the sauce with earthy notes. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Over time, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, robust character. Once you're happy with its consistency and taste, remove it from the heat.

Garlic Knots

Start with some store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience. Roll it out on a floured surface and slice it into even strips. Take each strip and tie it into a simple knot, placing each one onto a baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven and let them bake until they're golden and slightly puffed. While they're doing their magic in the oven, melt some butter in a pan and sauté finely minced garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Add a sprinkle of salt, parsley, and maybe even a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to this buttery concoction. Once the knots are out of the oven and still warm, generously brush them with your garlic butter mixture.

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

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