The Pizza Grilled Cheese is a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved classics—pizza and grilled cheese. This easy-to-make sandwich combines the crispy, buttery bread of grilled cheese with the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza. Layered with mozzarella and pepperoni, and served with warm pizza sauce for dipping, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a snack that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re a fan of pizza, grilled cheese, or both, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
The Pizza Grilled Cheese is a delightful combination of two comfort food favorites: pizza and grilled cheese. This recipe takes the best elements of each—melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and crispy, buttery bread—and brings them together in one irresistible sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft: Ensures a perfectly golden and crispy crust while adding rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory element to the butter spread, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sandwich with a subtle garlic flavor, reminiscent of garlic bread.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings classic pizza flavors into the mix, making the sandwich taste like a pizza in every bite.
- 8 slices white bread: Forms the base of the sandwich, providing a soft yet sturdy structure to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese: The star of the sandwich, offering gooey, melty goodness that’s essential to both pizza and grilled cheese.
- 6 ounces pepperoni: Adds a salty, slightly spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese and garlic butter.
- Warm pizza sauce, for dipping: Completes the pizza experience, offering a rich, tangy contrast to the creamy, cheesy sandwich.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful spread for the bread.
- Step 2:
- Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread. This will ensure a crispy, golden crust when grilled, with plenty of flavor in every bite.
- Step 3:
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in the skillet. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, 6 slices of pepperoni, another slice of mozzarella, 6 more slices of pepperoni, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Step 4:
- Place another slice of bread on top, butter side up. Cook until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Step 5:
- Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make additional sandwiches.
- Step 6:
- Serve the Pizza Grilled Cheese immediately, accompanied by warm pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness of this pizza-inspired sandwich.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Pizza Grilled Cheese is best served hot, right off the skillet, to enjoy the gooey, melty cheese at its best. Pair it with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping, or try it with marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to regain some of the crispiness before serving.
- This sandwich is versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or sliced olives.
Helpful Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on the outside of the bread before grilling. This will add a nice texture and boost the flavor.
- If you prefer a less greasy sandwich, use turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni. It has all the flavor with less fat.
- Try using different types of bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, to switch up the texture and flavor of the sandwich.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: “For a fresh twist, add a handful of baby spinach or arugula between the cheese layers. The greens will add a peppery flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “Don’t rush the cooking process. Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to allow the bread to become perfectly crispy while giving the cheese plenty of time to melt.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-sliced for better meltability and flavor. The fresher the ingredients, the better the sandwich.”