Hey y'all! If you're a pizza lover and a grilled cheese fanatic, get ready to swoon—this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe is the best of both worlds. Imagine gooey, stretchy mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni, all sandwiched between buttery, golden bread. It's the ultimate mash-up for quick lunches, easy weeknight dinners, after-school snacks, or game day treats that both kids and adults will love. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pizza Grilled Cheese
- All the flavors of your favorite pizza with the easy comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy days or lazy weekends.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Versatile—make it your own with different fillings or breads.
- Family-friendly and totally kid-approved for picky eaters.
Ingredients for Pizza Grilled Cheese
- 4 slices hearty white or sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade, see how to make pizza sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: sliced black olives, bell peppers, or red onion
Directions: How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Spread about ½ tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange the bread, buttered-side-down, on a clean surface.
Step 2: Layer the Pizza Grilled Cheese Fillings
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over the non-buttered sides of two bread slices. Add ½ cup mozzarella cheese, 8 slices of pepperoni, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a pinch of dried oregano. Add any optional toppings you like.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Top each with the remaining bread, buttered side facing up, gently pressing down to seal.
Step 4: Toast and Melt
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on one side, until golden and crispy. Carefully flip, then cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until deeply golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve Your Pizza Grilled Cheese
Remove from heat, slice in half, and enjoy hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Pizza Grilled Cheese Notes & Tips
- For the stretchiest melt, use full-fat mozzarella cheese. Learn more about melting cheeses here.
- Don’t rush! Cook over medium-low heat so the bread crisps while the cheese thoroughly melts.
- If your bread is very fresh and soft, let it air for a few minutes to prevent sogginess.
Variations on Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Veggie Lovers: Add spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Meat Feast: Use cooked Italian sausage or crispy bacon in place of pepperoni.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for your favorite gluten-free bread and double-check all toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need for Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Bread knife
- Bowls and spoons for spreading sauce
Pizza Grilled Cheese Storage and Shelf Life
Store any leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, toast in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving as bread may become soggy.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Serve with a side salad, tomato soup, or classic French fries.
- Pair with sparkling soda, lemonade, or a light beer for adults.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Pizza Grilled Cheese Perfection
- Use a mix of cheeses (cheddar, provolone, or even a touch of gouda) for extra flavor. Get inspired with this ultimate grilled cheese roundup.
- Press your sandwich lightly with a spatula or sandwich press for the crispiest crust.
- Let your grilled cheese rest for 2 minutes before slicing—this helps the cheese settle and keeps fillings in place.
Pizza Grilled Cheese FAQ
- Can I make Pizza Grilled Cheese in advance?
- For the best texture, make and enjoy fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble right before cooking.
- What’s the best bread for grilling?
- Hearty white, sourdough, or Italian bread works best—they hold up to the gooey fillings and crisp up nicely.
- Can I use other sauces besides pizza sauce?
- Absolutely! Try marinara, pesto, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a flavorful twist.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices white or Italian bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16-20 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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1Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
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2Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on each slice.
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3Layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder on each.
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4Top each with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
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5Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
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6Slice and serve warm, optionally with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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