Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Pizza grilled cheese combines the melty, gooey goodness of classic grilled cheese with all the savory flavors of your favorite pizza. This easy sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or comforting snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add extra pizza flavor as it toasts.
2. Step 2: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any extra toppings. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. Flip carefully and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice in half and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Use a combination of cheeses like provolone or cheddar along with mozzarella for more depth of flavor.
• Cook over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes inside for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover pizza grilled cheese sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, sourdough, white, whole wheat, or even ciabatta work well. Choose bread that can hold fillings without becoming soggy.

What are some good alternative toppings?

Besides turkey pepperoni, you can use cooked sausage, ham, vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even olives to customize the sandwich to your taste.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 146 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the beloved toppings of a pizza. Featuring melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, turkey pepperoni, and a zesty marinara sauce, this easy-to-make skillet sandwich offers a crispy, golden crust infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, making it a perfect quick meal or snack with an Italian twist.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Butter

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)

Sauces and Seasonings

• ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings

• 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Then sprinkle the buttered side evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add extra pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Next, layer shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and turkey pepperoni on top of the sauce. Add any additional toppings you prefer. Finally, top the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
3. Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting. Flip the sandwiches and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute to cool slightly. Slice each sandwich in half and garnish with chopped fresh basil for an added burst of flavor. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Use any type of bread you prefer; sourdough adds a rustic flavor, while white or whole wheat are classic options.
• Feel free to swap turkey pepperoni for any other preferred pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add vegetables or extra cheese.
• Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.
• Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, turkey pepperoni sandwich, skillet sandwich, easy lunch recipe