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!
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For the Pizza Grilled Cheese, you’ll need:
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2 slices of your favorite bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
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1 tablespoon butter (softened)
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1/4 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 tablespoons pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers)
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1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
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Fresh basil or oregano for garnish (optional)
Substitutions
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Bread – Use gluten-free bread or any bread of your choice.
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Pizza Sauce – Swap with marinara, Alfredo, or pesto for a different flavor base.
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Cheese – Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for different cheese profiles.
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Toppings – Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or even spinach.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Butter the Bread
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Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Grilled Cheese
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Place one slice of bread buttered-side down on a clean surface.
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Spread pizza sauce over the unbuttered side of the bread.
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Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Layer pepperoni or other pizza toppings on top of the cheese.
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Sprinkle a little parmesan cheese and garlic powder (if using) for extra flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
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Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
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Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwich in the pan.
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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
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Remove from the pan and let it cool for a minute before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh basil or oregano if desired. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Mix-Ins
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Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.
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Veggie Delight – Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-loaded version.
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Cheese Lover’s – Use a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for an ultimate cheesy experience.
Recipe Tips
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Don’t rush the cooking process – Cook the sandwich over medium heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
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Crispy crust – For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a little parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
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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
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Veggie Pizza Grilled Cheese – Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, onions, or spinach for a healthier option.
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Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Cheese – Add crumbled sausage along with the pepperoni for a meaty twist.
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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!