Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
If you crave the perfect blend of comfort food favorites, this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the crispy, buttery exterior of a grilled cheese sandwich giving way to gooey melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty pizza sauce all melted together between thick slices of hearty bread. It’s an irresistible fusion of two beloved dishes that comes together quickly and delights every time. Whether you’re making a weekend treat or a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to bring a smile to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—these simple, essential ingredients each play a crucial role in making the flavors sing, the texture just right, and the overall experience utterly satisfying.
- Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup softened: This creates the golden, crispy crust that gives every bite that perfect buttery crunch.
- Grated parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons: Adds a nutty sharpness and extra depth to the buttery coating.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Brings in the familiar fragrant herbs that evoke classic Italian pizza flavors.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Packs a punch of savory garlic that elevates the overall taste.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Thick slices of sturdy bread, 8 slices (like sourdough or Italian): The strong foundation holds all the gooey goodness and keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 cups: The melty, stretchy heart of the sandwich that brings that irresistible grilled cheese appeal.
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce, 1/2 cup: Adds rich tomato sweetness and a bit of tang that perfectly balances the cheese and pepperoni.
- Pepperoni, 24 thin slices: The spicy, salty slices that nod distinctly to classic pizza flavors.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Start by mixing the softened unsalted butter with grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. This butter blend is the secret to that golden, flavorful crust, so make sure it’s thoroughly combined for even spreading.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on one side of 4 bread slices—this brings that familiar tomato base of a pizza. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then layer on 6 slices of pepperoni per sandwich. Top each with the remaining bread slices to create a sandwich that’s ready to impress.
Step 3: Butter the Outside of the Sandwiches
Generously coat each outer side of the sandwiches with the garlic parmesan butter mixture. This step ensures every inch of bread crisps up beautifully and gets infused with those fantastic herb and garlic flavors.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and carefully place the sandwiches in the pan. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even cooking. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and fully melted cheese pockets bubbling inside—that’s when you know it’s done.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Slice the sandwiches in half to reveal the gooey, cheesy interior and serve immediately. For an extra touch, offer warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping—it’s like having a pizza party in sandwich form.
How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can lift these sandwiches even higher. A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich melted cheese. You can also dust a little extra parmesan on top for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crisp green salads or lightly dressed arugula to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, garlic parmesan fries or roasted vegetables complement the Italian flavors beautifully while keeping the meal satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into smaller sliders for a party appetizer or stack them with layers of sautéed mushrooms and roasted bell peppers for a gourmet twist. Another fun idea is to serve them open-faced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze—surprising, but totally delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza grilled cheese sandwiches can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When properly stored, they retain their flavor and texture well, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but don’t grill them yet. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen sandwiches stay at their best quality for about 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until cheese is melty and the bread has regained its crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible because it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that cheesy stretch and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste. Just make sure they melt well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the pepperoni and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can also include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to keep it flavorful.
What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Choose thick, sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian. These types hold up well during grilling without falling apart or getting soggy, giving you that perfect crispy crust every time.
Can I prepare the sandwiches in advance?
You can assemble them ahead of time and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator for up to one day. Just wait to grill them until you’re ready to serve to keep the bread crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.
What should I serve with leftover dipping sauce?
Extra warm marinara or pizza sauce isn’t just for the sandwiches—it’s also great dipped with garlic bread sticks, roasted veggies, or even mozzarella sticks, turning your leftovers into a new delicious snack.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, cozy recipe to jazz up your usual grilled cheese routine, the Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe is a total winner. It combines the best of pizza and grilled cheese into one unforgettable sandwich that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a household favorite!
Print
Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine the comforting flavors of a classic grilled cheese with the bold, savory taste of pizza toppings. With a crispy golden crust, melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and a flavorful garlic parmesan butter exterior, this quick and easy recipe makes a perfect snack or meal for cheese and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sandwich
- 8 thick slices sturdy bread, such as sourdough or Italian
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 24 thin slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened unsalted butter, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of pizza or marinara sauce on four slices of bread. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top each with 6 slices of pepperoni. Place the remaining bread slices on top to complete the sandwiches.
- Coat Sandwiches with Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic parmesan butter on the exterior sides of each sandwich to ensure a flavorful and crispy crust once grilled.
- Grill Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown, crisp, and the cheese inside is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately. Optionally, accompany with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian to prevent sogginess and hold the fillings well.
- Press gently while grilling to help the sandwiches hold together and achieve an even melt.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or pre-shredded for convenience.
- Extra marinara sauce warmed in a small saucepan or microwave makes a great dipping option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
