Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

By: Maria
Posted: 03/25/2025

Craving pizza and grilled cheese at the same time? This Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe is the perfect solution! Combining the warm, crispy comfort of grilled cheese with the irresistible flavors of pizza, this recipe is a fun, creative twist on classic comfort foods. With gooey melted mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and a crispy, buttery bread crust, this grilled cheese will satisfy both your pizza and sandwich cravings. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Grilled Cheese, you’ll need:

2 slices of your favorite bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
1 tablespoon butter (softened)
1/4 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers)
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)

Substitutions

Bread – Use gluten-free bread or any bread of your choice.
Pizza Sauce – Swap with marinara, Alfredo, or pesto for a different flavor base.
Cheese – Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for different cheese profiles.
Toppings – Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or even spinach.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Butter the Bread

Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.

Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese

Place one slice of bread buttered-side down on a clean surface.
Spread pizza sauce over the unbuttered side of the bread.
Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Layer pepperoni or other pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese and garlic powder (if using) for extra flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwich in the pan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from the pan and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
Garnish with fresh basil or oregano if desired. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Mix-Ins

Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Veggie Delight – Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-loaded version.
Cheese Lover’s – Use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for an ultimate cheesy experience.

Recipe Tips

Don’t rush the cooking process – Cook the sandwich over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
Crispy crust – For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a little parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
Pizza sauce drizzle – Drizzle a little extra pizza sauce inside the sandwich before adding the cheese for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing:

Freeze the ungrilled sandwiches (before cooking) for up to 1 month. Grill when ready to serve.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to preserve the crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

Veggie Pizza Grilled Cheese – Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, onions, or spinach for a healthier option.
Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Cheese – Add crumbled sausage along with the pepperoni for a meaty twist.
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese – Swap the pepperoni for grilled or breaded chicken and add marinara sauce for a chicken parmesan-inspired sandwich.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Provolone, cheddar, and even a pizza blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan work wonderfully.

Can I use whole wheat bread?

Definitely! Whole wheat bread is a great alternative for a slightly healthier option.

How do I keep the grilled cheese from getting soggy?

Use a thin layer of pizza sauce and don’t overfill the sandwich. Also, let the sauce cool slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess.

This Pizza Grilled Cheese is the perfect marriage of two of your favorite comfort foods, offering all the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza in a crispy, warm sandwich. 🍕🧀 Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a fun twist on your usual grilled cheese!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assemble the Pizza Grilled Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time. You can butter the bread, add the sauce, cheese, and toppings, and store the assembled, uncooked sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before grilling. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked sandwiches for up to a month; just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, simply grill the sandwich as directed, adding a minute or two to the cooking time per side if frozen.

What are some good ingredient substitutions for this Pizza Grilled Cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap the white bread for whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free bread; the pizza sauce for marinara, Alfredo, or pesto; and the mozzarella cheese for provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend. For the toppings, feel free to use sausage, mushrooms, olives, spinach, or any other pizza topping you enjoy. The ratios remain the same for bread and butter, and the cheese can be substituted in equal measure (about 1/2 cup). When substituting toppings, adjust the amount to your preference.

How do I know when the Pizza Grilled Cheese is perfectly cooked?

The Pizza Grilled Cheese is perfectly cooked when the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Visually, the bread should have a rich, toasted color on both sides. Gently press on the sandwich with a spatula; if the cheese is soft and yielding, it’s ready. The aroma should be a combination of toasted bread, melted cheese, and the savory scent of pizza sauce and toppings. The internal temperature of the cheese should be around 160°F (71°C) for optimal meltiness, although this isn’t critical.

Can I double or scale up this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe! When doubling, simply double the ingredient quantities. If you’re making multiple sandwiches at once, you may need to use two skillets or a larger griddle to accommodate them. Be mindful of the cooking time, as it might take slightly longer to cook multiple sandwiches at once. Ensure your skillet or griddle is large enough to hold the sandwiches without overcrowding.

Does this Pizza Grilled Cheese offer any nutritional benefits?

While this recipe is primarily a comfort food, it can provide some nutritional benefits depending on your ingredient choices. Mozzarella cheese offers calcium and protein, while whole wheat bread provides fiber. Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers increases the vitamin and mineral content. The sauce contributes lycopene from tomatoes, an antioxidant. The recipe is a good source of carbohydrates from the bread, and the cheese provides fats and proteins.