Light Margherita Stuffed Pizza Melt Recipe

Skinny Margherita Stuffed Pizza Melt

Rating: 5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
5 mins

Total Time
15 mins

Course
Main Course, Snack

Cuisine
American, Italian

Servings
1

Calories
228 kcal

Ingredients

1 Oroweat Sandwich Thin — see shopping tips
1 teaspoon reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light
1½ tablespoons pizza sauce or marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato, chopped
1 fresh basil leaf, chopped (optional)
1 slice or ¼ cup shredded light Jarlsberg, light provolone, or light mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat a Panini maker or a George Foreman-style grill. If you don’t have either, this melt can be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop; see the cooking tip below for skillet instructions.
Spread the outside of both halves of the sandwich thin with ½ teaspoon of butter on each side. Split the thin and spread the inside of the bottom half with the pizza or marinara sauce.
Layer the chopped tomato and the chopped basil (if using) over the sauce. Top with the slice of cheese or the shredded light cheese. Place the top half of the sandwich thin on the sandwich with the buttered side facing out.
Place the assembled sandwich in the Panini maker or grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Use a spatula to remove — the cheese may ooze slightly while cooking, which adds to the flavor.
Serve warm. The sandwich is best eaten right away; use a fork and knife if the cheese is particularly gooey.

Cooking tip: To make this on the stovetop, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and press down with a heavy spatula or a second skillet. Cook about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted. Reduce heat if the bread browns too quickly.

Variations: Add a few slices of roasted red pepper or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. For a vegetarian boost, add a handful of fresh baby spinach under the cheese.

Storage: This melt is best fresh, but leftovers can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 melt

Calories: 228 kcal

Carbohydrates: 31 g

Protein: 13 g

Fat: 7 g (Saturated fat: 3 g)

Cholesterol: 8 mg

Sodium: 525 mg

Fiber: 6 g

Sugar: 4 g

Blue Smart Points: 7

Green Smart Points: 7

Plus Points: 6

Tried this recipe?
Let me know how it was! Leave feedback

This Skinny Margherita Stuffed Pizza Melt is an easy, satisfying twist on a classic Margherita pizza. It delivers the same fresh tomato, basil, and melted cheese flavors you expect from a Margherita but in a compact, lower-calorie sandwich format ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or snack. Using a sandwich thin and light cheese keeps the calorie count modest while the tomato and basil add bright, fresh notes. The melt cooks quickly in a Panini press or grill, making it a great choice when you want something fast without sacrificing taste.

Whether you’re cooking for one or scaling the recipe for more servings, this sandwich is simple to adapt. Use a good-quality pizza or marinara sauce and a single fresh basil leaf for an authentic flavor profile. If you prefer a bit more texture, add chopped tomato carefully so the sandwich doesn’t become soggy. The recipe includes straightforward stovetop instructions for those without a press, and reheating in a skillet or toaster oven restores the crisp exterior if you make it ahead.

Follow the instructions for assembly and cooking for the best results. This melt is best enjoyed hot so the cheese is gooey and the bread is crisp. Enjoy it with a small side salad or a cup of soup for a complete, light meal.