Name: Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 preferred topping); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Introduction

Pizza grilled cheese is a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics, combining crispy toasted bread, gooey melted cheese, and tangy marinara sauce with savory pepperoni slices. This easy-to-make sandwich offers all the flavors of pizza in a warm, melty, handheld form perfect for any meal or snack.

A thick sandwich with two layers of golden toasted bread that have crispy edges, topped with melted, bubbly cheese that is slightly browned with herbs sprinkled on top. Inside, there is a layer of sliced pepperoni sitting on melted, stretchy white cheese that oozes out from between the bread layers. The sandwich rests on white parchment paper placed on a brown wooden table, with blurred white plates and a glass of water in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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 infuse the bread with pizza-inspired flavor as it toasts.
Step 2: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce evenly on the inside of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and turkey pepperoni on top, adding any extra toppings you like. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula for even toasting. Flip carefully and continue until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them cool briefly. Slice in half, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use hearty bread like sourdough or ciabatta to prevent sogginess. If using softer bread, toast it lightly before assembling.
Cook on medium-low heat to achieve a perfectly toasted exterior without burning the bread before the cheese melts.
For vegetarian options, substitute pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach.
Try cutting sandwiches into small strips and serving with marinara for a fun party snack.
Turn it into an open-faced melt by broiling a single slice topped with cheese and toppings until bubbly and golden.

Storage

Store cooled sandwiches wrapped in foil or parchment paper and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or heat in a skillet on low with a lid until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a thick sandwich with two layers of golden toasted bread, each topped with melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly browned. Between the bread layers, there is a visible thick layer of melted cheese stretching down and red pepperoni slices peeking out from underneath. The top layer of cheese has specks of herbs sprinkled on it, adding texture and color. The sandwich sits on parchment paper on a wooden surface with a soft blurred background that includes stacked white plates and a glass of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Provolone, cheddar, gouda, or a combination with mozzarella and Parmesan work well to add depth of flavor.

How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?

Use a light layer of marinara sauce, place cheese directly against the bread to create a moisture barrier, and cook slowly on medium-low heat for even toasting.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

Pizza grilled cheese combines the best of pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches into a crispy, melty, and flavorful delight. With buttery toasted bread, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and zesty turkey pepperoni, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch, snacks, or dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings or healthier alternatives for a versatile comfort food everyone will enjoy.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

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

Pizza Filling

½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or preferred topping)

Seasonings and Garnish

½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered sides evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse extra pizza flavor as the bread toasts.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside (unbuttered) side of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any additional toppings you prefer. Top with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up.
Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan carefully. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure even contact and melting. Flip the sandwiches gently and cook another 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for about a minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired and serve with additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use hearty bread like sourdough or ciabatta to prevent sogginess; lightly toast softer breads before assembling.
Medium-low heat is key to toast evenly while fully melting cheese without burning the bread.
Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking ensures a crispy crust and even melt.
Spread marinara sauce thinly to avoid soggy sandwiches.
Layer cheese directly against the bread to create a moisture barrier preventing sogginess.
Pre-cook any additional toppings like vegetables to remove excess moisture.
For a vegetarian option, substitute pepperoni with mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach.
Sandwiches can be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best texture.
Panini press can be used as an alternative cooking method for even toasting.

Keywords: pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, easy lunch recipe, quick dinner, turkey pepperoni sandwich, melty cheese sandwich, comfort food