Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Made with mozzarella, pepperoni, parmesan garlic butter, and marinara sauce on crispy bread.
You ever just stare at the fridge, totally indecisive about what you’re actually craving? That was me the other night. I mean, I was borderline hangry, pacing back and forth like I was about to unleash some culinary wrath. I wanted pizza. I wanted grilled cheese. My brain was like, Pick one already!, but my stomach was not compromising. So, I did the only reasonable thing. I made a hybrid.
And honestly, this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe is a happy accident I keep making on purpose. Every. Single. Week. The first time I made it, I was literally running on zero energy, desperately trying to satisfy a craving without making a mess of my kitchen. But now, I feel like I’ve accidentally stumbled onto my own little version of genius. I mean, who wouldn’t love the gooey, cheesy glory of pizza jammed between golden, buttery slices of bread? It’s like grilled cheese got a makeover and just came out looking—and tasting—gorgeous.
Plus, it’s ridiculously easy. You basically slather some garlic-parmesan butter on bread, toss on your favorite pizza toppings, and let the magic happen on a skillet. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But boy, is it good.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe?
-
Pizza Meets Grilled Cheese: Two absolute comfort food icons merging into one heavenly creation.
-
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Mozzarella, pepperoni, pizza sauce, parmesan butter… all the things that make you drool.
-
Crazy Quick: Ready to devour in 15 minutes flat. That’s faster than waiting for delivery.
-
Totally Customizable: Add bacon, mushrooms, or whatever weird toppings you secretly love. This is a judgment-free zone.
Ingredient Notes:
The ingredients are pretty basic, but the magic is in how they come together. Here’s the breakdown:
-
Butter: Unsalted, softened, and ready to mingle with the parmesan and herbs. You want it spreadable, like room-temp peanut butter.
-
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that salty, nutty punch you’d expect from a good pizza. Go for freshly grated if you can.
-
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: The pizza flavor trifecta. Don’t skip these or it’s just a boring grilled cheese.
-
Bread: I like sourdough or thick Italian bread. Soft sandwich bread just gets soggy, and nobody wants that.
-
Mozzarella Cheese: Because, duh. Gooey, melty goodness that stretches like a dream.
-
Pizza Sauce: Whatever brand you love, or homemade if you’re feeling fancy. Just make sure it’s thick, not runny.
-
Pepperoni: Optional, but who are we kidding? It’s basically required.
How To Make Pizza Grilled Cheese?
Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter Spread
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until everything’s nicely combined and looks like a spreadable masterpiece.
Step 2: Assemble The Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Take 4 slices of bread and generously butter one side of each with your garlic-parmesan spread. Place them, butter-side down, onto the skillet.
Spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce over each slice of bread. Then, load them up with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and another handful of mozzarella. Because, you know, cheese is life.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Top & Grill
Spread pizza sauce over the remaining bread slices and place them sauce-side down on top of the cheese and pepperoni. Spread the tops with the rest of your garlic butter.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden & Melty
Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep the heat on medium-low so the bread turns golden brown without the cheese refusing to melt. Be patient—rushing it will ruin everything.
Step 5: Serve & Devour
Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board, let them cool for a minute (if you can wait that long), slice, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Or just eat it straight from the skillet. No judgment here.
Storage Options:
Okay, let’s be real—you probably won’t have leftovers. But just in case, wrap them in foil or stash them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on a skillet for best results. Microwave if you must, but prepare to sacrifice some of that precious crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to get wild with your Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe? Here are some ideas:
-
Cheese Swaps: Try cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack if you’re feeling brave.
-
Vegetarian Options: Skip the pepperoni and throw in mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even pineapple. Yes, pineapple.
-
Protein Boost: Bacon, sausage, shredded chicken—whatever leftover meat you’ve got lurking in the fridge.
-
Gluten-Free: Just sub in your favorite gluten-free bread. You know the drill.
What to Serve with Pizza Grilled Cheese?
This sandwich doesn’t really need a side, but if you’re looking to make it a full-on feast, try these:
-
Extra Marinara Sauce: Because more dipping equals more happiness.
-
Salad: Something light and fresh to balance out all the richness.
-
French Fries or Chips: Because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use whole wheat bread?
Sure! It adds a nice nutty flavor and makes you feel a little healthier, which totally justifies the extra cheese.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella for the classic pizza vibe. But cheddar, provolone, or even gouda could be fun twists.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Not really. You can prep them, but you want them fresh and hot for that crispy, melty goodness.
If you’ve ever craved pizza and grilled cheese at the same time, this is your golden ticket. Try it out and let me know if you’re as hooked as I am. And hey, if you throw some bacon or jalapeños in there, I wanna hear all about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- 8 thick slices sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 24 thin slices pepperoni
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the texture is creamy.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Spread approximately half of the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each of the 4 slices of bread.
- Place the buttered sides down onto the preheated skillet.
Add Pizza Ingredients
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza or marinara sauce over the exposed side of each bread slice.
- Sprinkle approximately 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on each slice of bread.
- Arrange 6 slices of pepperoni over the cheese on each slice of bread.
- Add another layer of shredded mozzarella cheese to enhance the gooey texture.
Top and Cook
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over one side of the remaining 4 slices of bread.
- Place these slices sauce-side down over the assembled sandwiches.
- Spread the remaining garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each sandwich.
Grill the Sandwiches
- Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Ensure the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts thoroughly before flipping.
- Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent the bread from browning too quickly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Cut each sandwich in half and serve promptly with extra pizza or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
