Folded Pizza Sandwich: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Are you craving pizza but also in the mood for a sandwich? Why not combine the best of both worlds with a folded pizza sandwich? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, customizable to your favorite pizza toppings, and perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying snack. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pizza dough or naan bread. Get ready to experience pizza in a whole new, hand-held way!

## Why You’ll Love This Folded Pizza Sandwich

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Use your favorite pizza toppings to create a sandwich that suits your taste.
* **Portable:** The folded design makes it easy to eat on the go.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or even parties.
* **Fun and Delicious:** A unique and exciting twist on classic pizza.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pizza Dough or Naan Bread:** This forms the base of your sandwich. You can use store-bought pizza dough (fresh or frozen), homemade dough, or even naan bread for a quick and easy alternative. We recommend using fresh pizza dough when possible.
* **Pizza Sauce:** Choose your favorite brand or make your own homemade pizza sauce. Marinara sauce also works well.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Shredded mozzarella cheese is a classic pizza topping and provides that melty, cheesy goodness.
* **Toppings:** This is where you can get creative! Some popular options include:
* Pepperoni
* Sausage (cooked and crumbled)
* Mushrooms (sliced)
* Onions (sliced)
* Bell peppers (diced)
* Olives (sliced)
* Spinach
* Tomatoes (sliced)
* Pineapple (yes, even pineapple if you’re a fan!)
* **Olive Oil:** For brushing the dough or bread.
* **Optional:**
* Italian seasoning
* Garlic powder
* Red pepper flakes (for a little spice)
* Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the pizza sandwich.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** To cut the dough or bread and slice the finished sandwich.
* **Rolling Pin (if using pizza dough):** To roll out the dough.
* **Brush:** For brushing with olive oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your own folded pizza sandwich:

**Step 1: Prepare the Dough (if using pizza dough)**

* If using store-bought frozen pizza dough, thaw it according to the package instructions. This usually takes several hours in the refrigerator or a shorter time at room temperature.
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a large circle or oval shape, about 12-14 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. If you are making multiple sandwiches, divide the dough into portions before rolling. Use the rolling pin to achieve the desired thickness, ensuring it’s even throughout. This will help the pizza sandwich cook evenly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Naan Bread (if using naan bread)**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Naan bread typically doesn’t need any preparation before assembling the pizza sandwich.
* If you want to soften the Naan bread, you can lightly dampen it with water and heat it in the oven for a few minutes.

**Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Sandwich**

* Carefully transfer the rolled-out pizza dough (or naan bread) to the prepared baking sheet.
* Brush the surface of the dough or naan bread lightly with olive oil. This will help it crisp up during baking.
* Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over half of the dough or naan bread, leaving about an inch of space around the edge. Be careful not to overload the sauce, as this can make the sandwich soggy.
* Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for maximum melty goodness.
* Arrange your desired toppings over the cheese. Get creative with your combinations! Consider adding pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, or tomatoes.
* Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired). These spices add extra flavor and depth to the pizza sandwich.

**Step 4: Fold and Seal the Sandwich**

* Carefully fold the plain half of the dough or naan bread over the toppings, creating a half-moon shape. Gently press down along the edges to seal the sandwich. This will help prevent the toppings from spilling out during baking.
* To ensure a secure seal, you can crimp the edges with a fork. This will also create a decorative border.

**Step 5: Bake the Pizza Sandwich**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the dough or bread. Keep a close eye on the sandwich to prevent it from burning.
* If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top during the last few minutes of baking.

**Step 6: Slice and Serve**

* Remove the pizza sandwich from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will prevent the cheese and toppings from oozing out too much.
* Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the sandwich into wedges or strips.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! You can also serve it with a side of extra pizza sauce or marinara sauce for dipping.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Leftovers:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked meats, vegetables, or even pizza toppings.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack. These cheeses can add unique flavors and textures to your pizza sandwich.
* **Add Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle fresh basil, oregano, or parsley over the finished sandwich for a burst of flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the meat toppings and load up on vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory:** Try adding a touch of sweetness with caramelized onions or a drizzle of honey.
* **Grill It:** For a smoky flavor, grill the folded pizza sandwich over medium heat until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Air Fryer:** Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the folded pizza sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Calzone Style:** For a fully enclosed pizza sandwich, seal the edges tightly and poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
* **Breakfast Pizza Sandwich:** Use breakfast sausage, bacon, eggs, and cheddar cheese for a delicious breakfast pizza sandwich.
* **Dessert Pizza Sandwich:** Spread Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough and top with fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or blueberries. Fold and bake until warm and gooey.

## Serving Suggestions

The folded pizza sandwich is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza sandwich.
* **Soup:** Tomato soup, minestrone soup, or a creamy vegetable soup are all great accompaniments.
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and flavorful onion rings are another great side option.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.
* **Vegetable Sticks with Dip:** Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and cucumber slices with your favorite dip, such as ranch dressing or hummus.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover folded pizza sandwich can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it for a shorter time, but the crust may become soft.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the folded pizza sandwich. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-600 (depending on toppings)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-60g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-30g

**Note:** These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

## Conclusion

The folded pizza sandwich is a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a new and exciting format. Whether you’re using pizza dough or naan bread, the possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings and variations. So, gather your favorite ingredients, get creative, and enjoy this delightful hand-held pizza creation! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.