If you love pizza and grilled cheese, this recipe is the ultimate mashup! Gooey mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings sandwiched between buttery, crispy bread—it’s a quick and easy comfort food everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Combines the best parts of pizza and grilled cheese into one delicious sandwich.
- Quick to make with just a few ingredients.
- Fully customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Ingredients
- Bread slices (sourdough or Italian bread work best)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)
- Marinara or pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
You’ll find the full ingredient measurements below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
On one slice of bread (sauce side up), layer shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, or any toppings you like. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Top with another slice of bread, sauce side down.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwich
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Low and slow: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread burns.
- Crispy edges: Sprinkle a little shredded cheese in the skillet before adding the sandwich for a crispy cheese crust.
- Sauce on the side: Serve extra marinara for dipping if you love a saucy bite.
- Toppings variety: Try cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, or even pineapple for a unique twist.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Bread Style: Rub the bread with a clove of garlic before cooking for a garlicky kick.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese, butter, and plant-based toppings for a dairy-free version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve your pizza grilled cheese with:
- A side of Caesar salad or mixed greens for balance.
- A bowl of tomato soup for a comforting combo.
- Extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free bread and ensure your toppings are gluten-free as well.
2. Can I use fresh mozzarella? Absolutely, but pat it dry to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
3. What other cheeses can I use? Try cheddar, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
4. Can I make this in a toaster oven? Yes! Assemble the sandwich, then toast it at 375°F until golden and the cheese is melted.
Conclusion
This pizza grilled cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for satisfying cravings in minutes. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Try it out, and let me know what toppings you add—I’d love to hear your favorite combinations
Print
The BEST Recipe for Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the best of two comfort food classics! Gooey melted cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings are layered between buttery, golden slices of bread. It’s a quick, fun, and delicious twist on traditional grilled cheese that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick white or sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional Dipping Sauce:
- Extra pizza sauce, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each slice.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni slices, crumbled sausage, or your favorite toppings if desired. Top with more mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese over the cheese layer. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook the Sandwich:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve hot with a side of warmed pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use garlic butter instead of regular butter.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 820mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg