Nothing beats the gooey, cheesy goodness of a classic grilled cheese… unless you give it a pizza twist! This Pizza Grilled Cheese is the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods, making it a hit for kids, adults, and anyone who loves quick, satisfying meals. With melty cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the crispy, buttery bread of a grilled cheese and the irresistible flavors of pizza. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can add your favorite pizza toppings to make it truly your own. The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients to get started.
Ingredients
- Slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or Italian bread works great)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- Butter (for spreading on the bread)
Full list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found below.
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will help create that golden, crispy crust we all love.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, spread a generous layer of pizza sauce. Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni or veggies. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden brown. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy the cheesy, pizza-inspired goodness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning on the buttered side of the bread before cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cheese Lovers: Add a mix of cheeses like provolone, parmesan, or cheddar for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant friends and family.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Pizza Grilled Cheese with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. It’s also great with a bowl of tomato soup or a handful of chips for a classic comfort food combo. Don’t forget extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain that crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-made pizza sauce? A: Absolutely! Pre-made pizza sauce saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
Q: What’s the best bread for this sandwich? A: Sourdough or Italian bread are excellent choices because they crisp up nicely and hold all the fillings.
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer? A: Yes! Assemble the sandwich and cook it in the air fryer at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I freeze these sandwiches? A: It’s better to freeze them unassembled. Freeze the buttered bread and toppings separately, then assemble and cook when ready.
Conclusion
This Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food classics. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a late-night snack, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Try it out, experiment with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Print
The Ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese is a delightful fusion of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich and pepperoni pizza. It’s loaded with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a hint of garlic, all toasted between slices of buttery bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of Italian or white bread
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice.
Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce on four of the bread slices.
Add 6 pepperoni slices over the cheese on each sandwich.
Top with another slice of mozzarella cheese.
Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
Cook the Sandwiches:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Place the assembled sandwiches onto the skillet.
Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing.
Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the sandwich.
- Using a thick-cut bread like Texas toast can add extra crunch and structure to the sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1350mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg