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Cheesy Pizza Sandwich Panini

Stacked pizza sandwich panini with cheese pull and marinara drip​

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Busy weeknight, big flavor: this cheesy pizza sandwich panini delivers melty mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crispy focaccia for an easy Pizza Lunch or quick dinner win. Built on Pizza Ideas and Panini Ideas for maximum crunch and stretch, it’s a fast Pizza Sandwich Recipe you’ll save again and again.

Ingredients

– 2 thick slices focaccia or ciabatta
– 1/3 cup zesty marinara sauce
– 3/4 cup low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 tsp dried oregano
– Pinch chili flakes (optional)
– Optional veggie add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onion, olives
– Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Split focaccia and brush the outsides with olive oil.
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara on the insides to prevent sogginess.
3. Add mozzarella to the bottom slice; layer optional veggies, then season with oregano and chili flakes.
4. Close the sandwich and press in a preheated sandwich maker, panini press, or heavy skillet 3–5 min/side until golden and melty.
5. Rest 1 minute, slice, and serve with extra marinara for dipping.

Notes

Tips:
– Use thick, sturdy bread for structure and crisp edges.
– Keep sauce layer thin to avoid soggy centers.
– For dairy-free, use a meltable dairy-free mozzarella.
Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 2 days; re-crisp in skillet or air fryer.
– Assemble-then-freeze (uncooked) up to 1 month; cook over medium heat from frozen.