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.”