The Best Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe You’ll Crave Every Day

Melty cheese and crispy pizza grilled cheese sandwiches promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Layers of gooey mozzarella mingle with zesty marinara sauce between golden-brown bread slices.

Crisp edges and warm, stretchy cheese create an irresistible combination that satisfies serious cravings.

Imagine combining two beloved favorites into one incredible meal.

Pepperoni adds a spicy kick for those who love extra flavor.

Salt and herbs bring depth to each perfectly toasted bite.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing sandwich again and again.

Tips for Crispy and Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Use softened butter for even, golden-brown bread that crisps perfectly without tearing.
• Layer cheese generously and let it melt slowly for maximum gooey texture and rich flavor.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder between cheese layers for an authentic pizza taste explosion.
• Keep heat at medium to prevent burning while ensuring cheese melts completely and bread turns crispy golden.
• Add crispy pepperoni or swap with ham, bacon, or grilled chicken for protein variation.

Variations to Try on Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Vegetarian Pizza Grilled Cheese: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or spinach for a plant-based version that keeps all the cheesy goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure pizza sauce is certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Swap pizza sauce with salsa, add pepper jack cheese, and include jalapeños for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Dip and Drizzle Delight: Serve with extra warm pizza sauce on the side for a rich, tangy dipping experience that elevates each crispy bite.
• Party Platter Perfection: Cut sandwiches diagonally into triangles for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings, making them irresistible finger food.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano right before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic touch that complements the cheesy, savory flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the grilled cheese and create a complete meal.

How to Store Pizza Grilled Cheese

• Store leftover pizza grilled cheese in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent soggy bread.
• Warm sandwiches in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Covering the skillet helps melt the cheese evenly and restore the crispy exterior.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place sandwiches on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method ensures even heating and helps maintain the sandwich's original crunch.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of pizza flavors and grilled cheese, making it a fun and easy meal that children will enjoy.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite pizza vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a vegetarian version.

• What bread works best for this recipe?

Use sturdy white or sourdough bread that can hold up to the melted cheese and sauce without becoming soggy.

Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese with a Twist

• Simplify Pizza Night: Transform classic pizza flavors into a quick, handheld grilled cheese that eliminates complicated pizza-making steps while delivering maximum taste.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different meats, using alternative cheeses, or including vegetable toppings to match personal preferences and pantry availability.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Combine two beloved comfort foods into one exciting meal that appeals to kids and adults, making dinner fun and deliciously satisfying without complex cooking techniques.
• Speed Up Mealtime: Prepare this recipe in minutes with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous hunger moments when traditional pizza feels too time-consuming.

Ingredients for Pizza Grilled Cheese

• White Bread: Soft and sturdy base for the grilled cheese sandwich.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy and stretchy melted texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty flavor to the top of the sandwich.

• Pizza Sauce: Delivers classic pizza taste and moisture.
• Pepperoni Slices, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Creates authentic pizza flavor profile.
• Butter: Helps achieve golden brown and crispy bread exterior.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Oregano: Optional herbs for additional aromatic garnish.

How to Prepare Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, ensuring an even and consistent temperature for perfect golden-brown bread.

Step 2: Butter Bread Like a Pro

Generously spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice, creating a crispy and rich exterior.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Arrange 4 bread slices on the heated surface, positioning the buttered side facing down.

Step 4: Spread the Sauce

• Pizza sauce

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 6: Layer Pepperoni (Optional)

• Pepperoni slices

Step 7: Season with Flair

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder

Step 8: Top and Seal

Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing upward.

Step 9: First Side Cooking

Cook until the bottom slice transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and cheese begins melting, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 10: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the opposite side until golden brown and cheese is completely melted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 11: Final Flourish

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or oregano

Step 12: Serve Immediately

Transfer to plates and enjoy your pizza grilled cheese while hot and gooey.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy grilled cheese meets classic pizza in this mouthwatering fusion dish that blends melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce between golden-brown bread slices. Quick and simple preparation makes this comfort meal an instant crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Cheese:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Bread and Spread:

• 8 slices bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• fresh basil or oregano (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet or griddle to medium temperature, ensuring an even cooking surface.
2. Generously coat one side of each bread slice with softened butter for optimal browning and flavor.
3. Arrange 4 bread slices butter-side down on the heated cooking surface.
4. Distribute pizza sauce uniformly across the unbuttered bread surface.
5. Create a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.
6. Layer pepperoni slices across the cheese for additional savory depth.
7. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the toppings.
8. Crown each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward.
9. Grill for 3-4 minutes until the bottom slice transforms into a golden-brown crispy texture and cheese begins to melt.
10. Carefully invert each sandwich using a spatula, allowing the opposite side to achieve a similar golden-brown appearance and ensuring complete cheese melting.
11. Finish by dusting with grated Parmesan and garnishing with fresh basil or oregano for a vibrant presentation.
12. Plate and serve immediately while the cheese remains warm and gooey.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Swap pepperoni with vegetarian alternatives like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Enhance the dish by adding a side of marinara sauce for dipping, creating an extra layer of pizza-inspired deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg