Pizza Grilled Cheese
Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun mashup of pizza and a tasty grilled cheese. With a cheesy garlic butter crust and your favorite pizza toppings, this sandwich is fun for both kids and adults!
When I think of comfort food, grilled cheese automatically comes to mind.
There’s nothing like a grilled cheese and a bowl of creamy tomato soup on a cold (or hot) day to warm up your soul. It reminds me of my childhood and I still make a grilled cheese sandwich every so often.
This pizza grilled cheese recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an after-school snack. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it’s easy to customize depending on your tastes. This caprese grilled cheese, prosciutto, raspberry and brie grilled cheese, and tomato avocado grilled cheese are frequent favorites around my house.
And because I love pizza (it’s my favorite food), I thought this would be a fun combo to make an incredible pizza melt. It’s an American classic in my book and oh-so delicious!
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Sandwiches:
- It’s easy: easy recipes are plentiful around here and this recipe makes two sandwiches in just 15 minutes, with minimal ingredients and prep time.
- A cheesy garlic butter crust: a simple mixture of butter, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese make a crispy, tasty crust.
- Pepperoni: a fun way to use your favorite pizza topping without an actual pizza.
Ingredients:
For the garlic butter spread:
- Butter: unsalted butter works best since the Parmesan cheese is salty on its own
- Parmesan cheese: grated works best
- Seasonings: garlic powder and Italian seasoning
For the sandwiches:
- Bread: thick slices are best so that it holds the ingredients well.
- Pizza sauce: use your favorite jarred kind (I love this sauce).
- Mozzarella cheese slices: the thin, deli-type cheese works best for that melty goodness.
- Shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese: for even more cheesiness.
- Pepperoni: regular or turkey pepperoni works well.
How to Make Italian Pizza Grilled Cheese:
- Make the spread: mix butter, cheese and seasonings together.
- Assemble the sandwiches: top slices of bread with pizza sauce, shredded and sliced cheeses, and slices of pepperoni. Add the tops of bread onto each slice to form a sandwich and then spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto tops of bread.
- Cook: Place sandwich on a heated skillet, buttered side down, and then spread the remaining butter mixture on the top slice of bread. Cook on each side until the cheese is melted and sandwiches are golden brown.
What Kind of Cheese Should You Use?
I used a combination of mozzarella slices and grated and shredded Parmesan cheeses to retain that pizza flavor. However, shredded cheddar or Pepperjack cheeses would also be delicious.
What Kind of Bread Should You Use?
I used Texas toast, as it’s thick and holds the sauce and cheese well. However, your favorite bread or homemade bread, such as sourdough bread, plain white bread, or even garlic bread would work.
Variations:
- Different meats: add some crumbled, cooked sausage or bacon for more pizza flavor.
- Switch up the cheese: add some shredded sharp cheddar or Pepperjack cheese for a different taste.
- Add some veggies: cooked green bell peppers, mushrooms, or even black olives would be a tasty addition.
- Try a different sauce: in place of pizza sauce, use your favorite marinara sauce or bbq sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Pizza Grilled Cheese:
- Be sure to spread a thin layer of sauce on the bread. You don’t want it to be too thick of a layer, otherwise it might seep through the bread and become soggy.
- When cooking the sandwiches, keep the heat lower so that it melts the cheese and has time to turn the bread golden. Using a high heat will cause the cheese to melt and the bread to burn.
- Serve right away! These sandwiches are best served warm when the cheese is melted and the crust is crunchy.
Looking for More Easy Pizza Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
- Instant Pot Pizza Stuffed Peppers
- Pizza Pasta Salad
- One Pan Pizza Pasta
- Pepperoni Pizza Hamburger Helper
- Stuffed Pizza Rolls
- Slow Cooker Pizza Chili
Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, (softened)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sandwich:
- 4 slices bread , (I used Texas toast)
- ¼ cup pizza sauce, (plus more for dipping, if desired)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
Instructions
To make the garlic butter spread:
- In a medium bowl, add butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and set aside.
To assemble the sandwiches:
- Place slices of bread on a flat surface. Add 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in a thin layer to each slice of bread.
- Add one slice of cheese to each slice of bread, and then add 2 tablespoons shredded cheese to two slices of bread. Top two slices of bread with 8 pepperoni slices.
- Place one piece of bread on top of the other piece of bread with pepperoni to form a sandwich. Repeat with rest of bread to form a second sandwich. Spread butter mixture on one side of each sandwich.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place buttered side of each sandwich face down onto skillet. Spread remaining butter mixture onto the tops of each sandwich. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftover sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Pizza Grilled Cheese above the recipe box.
