If you’ve ever craved pizza and grilled cheese at the same time, you’re in for a treat! The Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the crispy, cheesy delight of classic grilled cheese with all the savory goodness of pizza. With garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce tucked between thick slices of bread, it’s the perfect comfort food mashup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for a pizza-loving crowd, this pizza grilled cheese recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious and easy recipe, along with some tips to elevate it further. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Pizza Grilled Cheese

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to talk about why Pizza Grilled Cheese is so irresistible. It’s a dish that marries two of the most beloved comfort foods grilled cheese and pizza into a single, mouthwatering creation.

Cheesy Goodness: With a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and a spread of gooey pizza sauce, this dish delivers the best of both worlds: a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Savory Toppings: The thin slices of pepperoni add a savory punch, reminiscent of a classic pizza.
Crispy Crunch: The bread is crisped up to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Garlic Butter: The garlic butter spread on the outside of the bread adds a rich, flavorful crust that takes the sandwich to the next level.

Now that you know why this dish is so amazing, let’s jump into the recipe!

Ingredients for Pizza Grilled Cheese

This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe requires a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Garlic Butter:

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Grilled Cheese:

8 thick slices sturdy bread, such as sourdough or Italian
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
24 thin slices pepperoni

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Making Pizza Grilled Cheese is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. The entire process should only take around 20 minutes. Let’s break down the steps.

Step 1: Make Garlic Butter

Start by preparing the garlic butter spread that will give your Pizza Grilled Cheese that irresistible flavor. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. This garlic butter will be generously spread on the outside of the bread, creating a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

To assemble the sandwiches, start with four slices of bread. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each slice of bread. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the bread with the sauce. Next, add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce. Finally, layer six slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese. Once your sandwiches are stacked with cheese and pepperoni, place the remaining four slices of bread on top to complete the sandwiches.

Step 3: Spread Garlic Butter on the Outside

Take the garlic butter you prepared earlier and spread a generous layer on the outside of each sandwich. The garlic butter will give the grilled cheese that irresistible golden-brown crust and an extra layer of flavor. Make sure both sides of the sandwich are well-coated with the butter.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side. The goal is to get the bread perfectly golden brown while the cheese melts inside. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.

Once both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey and melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches in half and serve them immediately. For extra flavor, serve the sandwiches with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The rich, tangy sauce complements the cheesy, savory goodness of the grilled cheese perfectly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Grilled Cheese

Use Sturdy Bread: It’s important to choose sturdy bread, like sourdough or Italian, that can hold up to the weight of the cheese, pepperoni, and sauce. Avoid thin slices of bread that might fall apart while grilling.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your sandwich with more cheese and toppings, too much filling can make it harder to grill properly. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect balance.
Grill at Medium Heat: Grill the sandwiches over medium heat to ensure that the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread. If the bread is browning too fast, reduce the heat slightly and allow the cheese to melt.
Customize the Toppings: Want to add more pizza toppings? Feel free to customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or any of your favorite pizza ingredients.

Nutritional Information

While Pizza Grilled Cheese is definitely a treat, it’s also a relatively indulgent dish. On average, one sandwich contains about:

Calories: 450-500 kcal per sandwich (depending on the bread and toppings)
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25-30g
Sodium: 800-900mg

As always, enjoy in moderation, especially if you’re indulging in this as a snack or part of a larger meal.

Why You Should Make Pizza Grilled Cheese at Home

Quick and Easy

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something comforting but don’t have much time. With only a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love.

Versatile and Customizable

Pizza Grilled Cheese is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes. Try using different types of cheese, adding extra toppings, or swapping out the pepperoni for sausage, bacon, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Fun for the Whole Family

Pizza Grilled Cheese is also a great dish for the whole family. Kids love the fun, pizza-like flavors, and they can help assemble the sandwiches too! It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and introduce them to cooking.

Great for Parties and Gatherings

This recipe also works well for parties and gatherings. You can make mini versions of the sandwiches for an easy appetizer or snack at a party. Pair them with some garlic bread and a side of marinara sauce, and you’ve got yourself a delicious spread.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Pizza Grilled Cheese, you’ll definitely want to try some of these related recipes:

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese – If you’re a fan of pepperoni, this pizza-inspired grilled cheese will satisfy all your cravings.
Pizza Toast – For a quick, easy pizza-inspired meal, try this tasty pizza toast recipe.
Breakfast Grilled Cheese – Start your day off right with a breakfast twist on the classic grilled cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pizza Grilled Cheese ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sandwiches in advance and refrigerate them until ready to grill. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for Pizza Grilled Cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of different cheeses for added flavor.

Can I make this recipe without pepperoni?

Yes! If you don’t eat pepperoni or want a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

Can I freeze Pizza Grilled Cheese?

You can freeze assembled but uncooked sandwiches for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to cook, simply thaw and grill as usual.

Conclusion

Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate combination of two classic comfort foods. With garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni tucked between golden-brown, crispy bread, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or a party snack, this dish is guaranteed to please.

Follow the recipe steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious sandwich that’s both crispy and gooey, just like the best pizza you’ve ever had. Enjoy it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and savor the perfect fusion of pizza and grilled cheese in every bite!

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

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Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pizza Grilled Cheese! Crispy, golden bread stuffed with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a tangy pizza sauce, all smothered in a rich garlic butter spread. This irresistible sandwich combines two classics—pizza and grilled cheese—into one mouthwatering bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a fun family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Butter

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Grilled Cheese

8 thick slices sturdy bread (sourdough or Italian)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
24 thin slices pepperoni

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Instructions

Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on 4 slices of bread. Top each with mozzarella cheese and 6 slices of pepperoni. Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread.
Spread Butter: Generously spread garlic butter on the outside of each sandwich.
Grill: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve Hot: Slice the sandwiches and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy that cheesy pizza goodness!

Notes

Bread choice: Use sturdy bread, like sourdough or Italian, for the best texture. Soft bread can get soggy during grilling.
Dairy-free option: Swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
For a spicy kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to your sandwich for extra heat.
Make it your own: Add extra toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to customize your Pizza Grilled Cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg