Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the crispy, buttery exterior of a traditional grilled cheese with the savory, bold flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It features a garlic-herb butter crust and layers of melted mozzarella and pepperoni for a delicious meal that is ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or a fun family dinner, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe. First, it is incredibly fast to make, requiring only 8 ingredients and 20 minutes of your time. It is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings just like you would with a real pizza. Plus, the addition of a garlic-parmesan butter on the outside of the bread takes the flavor to a whole new level, making it taste like a cross between a sandwich and garlic bread.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (very soft)
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Dried Italian seasoning
• White bread (thick slices work best)
• Mozzarella cheese (slices)
• Pepperoni
• Pizza sauce (for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Lay the bread slices on a sheet tray with the buttered side facing up until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
3. Place a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread into the skillet with the buttered side facing down.
4. Begin layering the sandwich by placing one slice of mozzarella cheese on the bread. Add 6 pepperoni slices, followed by another slice of mozzarella, 6 more pepperoni slices, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese.
5. Place a second piece of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. (Note: You may have leftover pepperoni depending on the size of your bread).
6. Place a lid on the skillet to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Replace the lid and continue cooking the other side until it is golden brown and the cheese in the center is completely melted.
8. Repeat the process for the remaining sandwiches and serve immediately with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To get the best results with your Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe, it is important to cook the sandwiches in batches. Overcrowding the pan can make it difficult to flip the sandwiches and may prevent them from browning evenly.

Another great tip is to use a lid while cooking. This traps the heat and ensures that the thick layers of mozzarella cheese melt perfectly before the bread becomes too dark. If you want to keep the sandwiches crispy while finishing the rest of the batch, place the completed sandwiches on a wire rack set over a sheet tray. This prevents steam from building up underneath the bread, which can lead to a soggy texture.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic pepperoni and mozzarella combination is a favorite, you can easily customize this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe. Feel free to swap the white bread for Texas Toast, sourdough, or even focaccia for a different texture.

If you want to add more toppings, consider including cooked Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even pineapple and ham for a Hawaiian twist. Just ensure that any meats are fully cooked and vegetables are sautéed before adding them to the sandwich, as they will not have enough time to cook through in the skillet. For the cheese, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is best served hot and fresh. The classic way to enjoy it is by dipping it into a bowl of warm pizza sauce or marinara. If you want to branch out, it also tastes fantastic when dipped in creamy tomato soup or even ranch dressing. For a more complete meal, serve your Pizza Grilled Cheese alongside a fresh Caesar salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze these sandwiches. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will make the bread soggy. Instead, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop and cook until warmed through and the bread is crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes, but watch it closely as it can burn quickly.

Nutrition Information

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the crispy, buttery exterior of a traditional grilled cheese with the savory, bold flavors of a pepperoni pizza. It features a garlic-herb butter crust and layers of melted mozzarella and pepperoni for a delicious meal that is ready in just 20 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 1 sandwich

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 565

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Unsalted butter very soft
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Dried Italian seasoning
• White bread thick slices work best
• Mozzarella cheese slices
• Pepperoni
• Pizza sauce for dipping

Equipment

• Skillet
• Spatula
• Sheet Tray

Method

 

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   Unsalted butter, Grated parmesan cheese, Garlic powder, Dried Italian seasoning
2. Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Lay the bread slices on a sheet tray with the buttered side facing up until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
   White bread
3. Place a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread into the skillet with the buttered side facing down.
4. Begin layering the sandwich by placing one slice of mozzarella cheese on the bread. Add 6 pepperoni slices, followed by another slice of mozzarella, 6 more pepperoni slices, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese.
   Mozzarella cheese, Pepperoni
5. Place a second piece of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. (Note: You may have leftover pepperoni depending on the size of your bread).
6. Place a lid on the skillet to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Replace the lid and continue cooking the other side until it is golden brown and the cheese in the center is completely melted.
8. Repeat the process for the remaining sandwiches and serve immediately with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.
   Pizza sauce

Notes

Expert TipsTo get the best results with your Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe, it is important to cook the sandwiches in batches. Overcrowding the pan can make it difficult to flip the sandwiches and may prevent them from browning evenly.Another great tip is to use a lid while cooking. This traps the heat and ensures that the thick layers of mozzarella cheese melt perfectly before the bread becomes too dark. If you want to keep the sandwiches crispy while finishing the rest of the batch, place the completed sandwiches on a wire rack set over a sheet tray. This prevents steam from building up underneath the bread, which can lead to a soggy texture.

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