There’s something magical about the combination of pizza and grilled cheese. It’s like two comfort food powerhouses coming together in the most satisfying way. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden sandwich filled with melty mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed for a quick lunch or easy dinner. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to make something the kids will actually eat or you’re just craving that classic pizza flavor without all the effort of making a full pie, this recipe is for you.
I remember the first time I made pizza grilled cheese. It was one of those nights where I wanted something comforting but didn’t have the energy to roll out pizza dough or wait for delivery. A lightbulb moment struck: Why not take everything I love about pizza and sandwich it between two slices of buttery, toasted bread? The result was pure magic. It’s now a staple in our house on those “what-should-we-eat?” nights, and I know it will be in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super easy to make: Minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of prep.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, you name it.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for picky eaters or kids who love pizza but also love the fun of a grilled cheese.
- Quick weeknight meal: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you need something fast and satisfying.
Preparation Time and Servings:
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 400
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 40g
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni or any other favorite pizza toppings
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Bread: Use a sturdy bread that crisps up well, like sourdough or a thick white bread. You want something that can hold all that cheese and sauce without falling apart.
Mozzarella: The key to that classic pizza flavor and stretch! Shredded mozzarella works great because it melts evenly.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this sauce gives the sandwich its pizza-like flavor.
Pepperoni (optional): For that traditional pizza topping taste, but feel free to substitute with any of your favorites like mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage.
Butter: Softened butter helps achieve that perfectly golden, crispy exterior. You can also use olive oil if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the bread: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is what will give you that crispy, golden crust. If you want an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese onto the buttered side for a cheesy crust.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice, making sure to leave a little space around the edges to prevent the sauce from oozing out when you grill the sandwich.
- Add the cheese and toppings: Evenly sprinkle about half a cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce. Add your pepperoni slices or any other pizza toppings you like. I love adding a little extra Parmesan for a more intense cheesy flavor, but this step is optional.
- Top and grill: Place the remaining slices of bread on top of each sandwich, buttered side up. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwiches buttered side down in the pan. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread get crispy. Flip carefully once the first side is golden brown and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the pan and let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing. This gives the cheese a chance to set a little so it doesn’t all ooze out when you cut into it. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve:
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Add some garlic butter for brushing on the bread before grilling for extra flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Use fresh mozzarella: If you want a more authentic pizza feel, try using fresh mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully but can be a bit messier, so just be prepared for a slightly more gooey sandwich.
- Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, be careful not to overload the sandwich. Too many toppings can make it hard to grill evenly and may cause the sandwich to fall apart.
- Preheat your skillet: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the sandwich. This ensures a crisp, golden crust without overcooking the inside.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the marinara sauce or toppings to suit your preferences. You can even try a white sauce version using Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a fun twist.
- Use a panini press: If you have one, a panini press works great for this recipe, giving you an even crispier, more compact sandwich.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the pepperoni for sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the cheese for a little heat.
- Herb Explosion: Mix in some Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary into the butter before spreading it on the bread for an herby, fragrant crust.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mozzarella and butter for a dairy-free, plant-based twist on this classic sandwich.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side dishes: This sandwich pairs perfectly with tomato soup for a classic combo, or you can serve it with a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- For kids: Serve with apple slices or carrot sticks to keep things simple, or pair with buttered noodles for a kid-friendly meal they’ll love.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freezing: You can freeze assembled, uncooked sandwiches. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. To cook, simply thaw slightly and grill as directed.
- Reheating tip: If you find the bread getting too soft when reheating, pop the sandwich under the broiler for a minute or two to help crisp it up again.
Special Equipment:
- Non-stick skillet: A good quality non-stick skillet is key to ensuring your sandwich doesn’t stick and crisps up evenly.
- Spatula: Use a wide, flat spatula for easy flipping. You want to be able to lift and turn the sandwich without breaking it apart.
FAQ:
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and gives you that perfect cheesy pull.
- Can I use a different kind of cheese? Definitely! Provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses like fontina and Parmesan would also be delicious.
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! Ciabatta, whole wheat, or even a soft French bread all work well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and make sure your toppings are gluten-free.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? You can assemble the sandwiches ahead and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just grill them up fresh.
- What if I don’t have a skillet? You can use a panini press or even bake the sandwiches in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Can I freeze cooked sandwiches? I wouldn’t recommend freezing fully cooked sandwiches, as the bread can get soggy when reheating. It’s better to freeze them uncooked.
- Can I add other pizza toppings? Absolutely! Anything you’d normally put on a pizza can go in this sandwich. Just be careful not to add too much or the sandwich might fall apart.
- What sauce can I serve with this? Marinara is a classic choice, but you could also try ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
- Can I make this without butter? Yes, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to still get that crispy, golden crust.
Conclusion:
There’s something so fun about combining two of the most beloved comfort foods into one amazing sandwich. This pizza grilled cheese is the best of both worlds—crispy, cheesy, and loaded with all the flavors you love in pizza, but way
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Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
If you’re like me, the thought of combining two beloved comfort foods—grilled cheese and pizza—is enough to make your taste buds dance! When I first whipped up this Pizza Grilled Cheese, it was an instant family favorite. The crispy, buttery bread paired with melty cheese and zesty pizza toppings created an explosion of flavor that had everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack, this grilled cheese recipe will have everyone reaching for more!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain works well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
- Optional: sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for added toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. - Assemble the Sandwich:
On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a generous amount of pizza sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (and any additional toppings), and a sprinkle of dried oregano and garlic powder. Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up. - Grill the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden brown. - Serve:
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 450
