Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Pizza Grilled Cheese perfectly combines the comforting meltiness of grilled cheese with the classic flavors of pizza. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s great for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the bread by spreading a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. Sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse extra pizza flavor as it toasts.
2. Step 2: Assemble the sandwich by placing two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any extra toppings you like. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down slightly with a spatula. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
4. Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice them in half and garnish with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• Use a combination of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a richer flavor.
• Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread.
• Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes inside can give your grilled cheese a nice spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, any sturdy bread works well, including sourdough, white, whole wheat, or even a thick sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

Is it possible to prepare this sandwich ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches in advance and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. For best results, toast them fresh to keep the bread crisp and the cheese melted.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese is a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and grilled cheese sandwich. Made with buttery toasted bread, gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, zesty marinara sauce, and savory turkey pepperoni, this sandwich offers all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient handheld form. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy snack, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and fresh herbs.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning evenly over the buttered side to infuse the bread with extra pizza-inspired flavors as it toasts.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce generously on the inside of each slice. Then layer shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and turkey pepperoni evenly over the sauce. Add any extra toppings if desired. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up.
3. Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting and melting. Flip the sandwich carefully to avoid spillage. Continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is completely melted.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to cool for about a minute. Slice each sandwich in half for easier handling. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and serve alongside extra marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor experience.

Notes

• You can customize the sandwich by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Try using a non-stick skillet to prevent bread from sticking and to make flipping easier.
• Adjust the heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts thoroughly.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or omit it entirely.
• Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Pizza Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Easy Lunch Recipes, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Pizza Sandwich