Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

If you love the comforting combo of pizza and grilled cheese, this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe is perfect for you. It’s an easy, flavorful twist on a classic sandwich that brings all your favorite pizza toppings together in a gooey, crispy bite.

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: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered side evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add extra pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
2. Step 2: Place 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 additional 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 assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
4. Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice in half and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to customize your sandwich.
• For a crispier crust, toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich.
• Try swapping turkey pepperoni for mozzarella sticks or a mix of Italian cheeses for extra gooeyness.
• If fresh basil isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil works well too.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwich wrapped in foil or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the turkey pepperoni and add extra veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or sliced tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.

What type of bread works best for pizza grilled cheese?

Any sturdy bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or classic white bread works well. Choose bread that can hold the fillings without getting soggy or falling apart during cooking.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting melty goodness of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the bold flavors of pizza. Featuring a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and Italian seasonings toasted between buttery bread slices, this dish makes for a delicious and quick lunch or dinner option. Serve it with extra marinara sauce for dipping to fully enjoy the pizza-inspired taste.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread & Butter

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)

Cheeses & Sauce

• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings & Seasonings

• 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 the buttered side evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse an extra burst of pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: Lay two slices of bread buttered side down on a clean surface. Spread marinara sauce generously on the inside of each slice. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese followed by grated Parmesan. Arrange the turkey pepperoni slices evenly, and add any additional toppings if desired. Finish by topping with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
3. Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the sandwich brown and the cheese melt. Flip the sandwiches carefully and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute to set. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for added flavor and freshness. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or veggies.
• Use whole wheat bread for a healthier twist or sourdough for extra tang.
• Adjust garlic powder and Italian seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences.
• For a crispier crust, use a cast iron skillet or press the sandwich with a heavy spatula while toasting.
• To make vegetarian, omit the pepperoni and add sautéed vegetables or olives.

Keywords: pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, easy lunch, quick dinner, mozzarella sandwich, pepperoni sandwich