Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Gooey cheese and pizza toppings pressed between golden bread this pizza grilled cheese is comfort food with a twist I crave it anytime I want the best of both worlds and it always brings instant smiles to the table

I first made this when my niece wanted pizza and grilled cheese in one meal Now we often make it for movie nights and nobody complains about leftovers

Ingredients

• Soft Italian sandwich bread: gives that pillowy texture and holds up nicely when grilled For best results choose fresh bakery bread
• Salted sweet cream butter: helps the bread brown and adds rich flavor Melted butter ensures even coverage
• Extra virgin olive oil: deepens flavor and helps with browning Use fresh oil for the best taste
• Dried Italian seasoning: brings garlicky herby notes to mimic classic pizza flavor Check freshness for best aroma
• Onion powder: adds a mild savory background Choose a fine powder for even mixing
• Pepperoni: layers the sandwiches with a punch of salty flavor Try to use full size classic pepperoni not mini
• Freshly grated mozzarella cheese: melts smoother than pre-shredded due to less starch and delivers that iconic cheese pull
• Smoked provolone cheese: brings a creamy smoky depth and balances out the mozzarella
• Pizza sauce: adds tang and moisture Use the thickest sauce you can find to avoid soggy sandwiches Look for one with plenty of herbs and a bright tomato flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Butter Mixture:

Combine melted butter extra virgin olive oil dried Italian seasoning and onion powder in a small bowl Stir thoroughly so all flavorings mix evenly with the fat This helps ensure the seasoning gets into every bite

Prep the Bread:

Generously brush one side of each bread slice with the butter mixture The bread should be fully coated to crisp well when grilling Focus on the outer sides for later grilling

Start Grilling:

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat Place two buttered bread slices butter side down in the skillet You should hear a gentle sizzle as the butter hits the pan

Layer the Sauce and Cheeses:

Spread two tablespoons of pizza sauce over the face up side of each bread piece Top each with one slice of provolone cheese then a quarter cup of mozzarella This layering builds the pizza flavor from the bottom up

Add Pepperoni and More Cheese:

Lay twelve pepperoni slices over the mozzarella on each sandwich Sprinkle another quarter cup of mozzarella over the pepperoni Top each with a final slice of provolone cheese Stacking cheese evenly on each layer makes every bite gooey

Finish With the Second Slice and Butter:

Place the second bread slice on top of each sandwich buttered side facing up Press gently so the layers meld Brush the top of each sandwich with more of the butter mixture for even more richness

Grill to Perfection:

Cook each sandwich for three to four minutes per side Monitor the heat to avoid burning use a spatula to press lightly for a golden crisp crust Flip carefully using a wide spatula Grill until both sides are deep golden brown and the cheese completely melts

Slice and Serve:

Transfer grilled sandwiches to a cutting board Let rest for a minute to let cheese set slightly Halve each sandwich with a sharp knife and serve hot

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I cannot overstate how much I adore smoked provolone in this recipe Its creamy tang lingers and the smoky flavor is what really makes this sandwich extra special My niece says the best part is watching the cheese stretch when you pull each half apart and I have to agree

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to two days Reheat on a skillet over medium low heat to maintain crispness The sandwiches will lose their crunch in the microwave so always use the stovetop for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap pepperoni for salami ham or cooked vegetables to suit your crowd No provolone Use all mozzarella or add a slice of cheddar for extra bite For a lighter sandwich try using whole wheat bread For a vegetarian version double up the cheese and scatter in roasted bell peppers or olives instead of meat

Serving Suggestions

Cut each sandwich in quarters and serve as a party snack or game day appetizer I love pairing pizza grilled cheese with a green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal Marinara sauce or ranch on the side for dipping makes everyone happy

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Cultural Inspiration

The pizza grilled cheese brings together two American favorites in one bite The sandwich grills up fast but pulls from Italian American pizzeria traditions with its herbs and melty cheese My family loves how fun and customizable it is and it always sparks conversation about our favorite pizza toppings

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I get the cheese extra gooey?

Leave the cheese at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before layering; this helps it melt evenly as the sandwich cooks.

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

Thick slices of Italian sandwich bread provide a sturdy, crisp base and hold up well to melty cheese and sauce.

→ Can I cook these in a panini press?

Yes! Grilling in a panini press creates a crisp crust with perfect even browning and helps the cheese melt throughout.

→ What cheeses can I substitute?

Mozzarella and provolone give classic flavor, but you can swap in cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

→ How do I prevent my sandwich from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and check frequently. Adjust temperature as you grill to avoid burning and ensure even color.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely—try sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even olives to customize your sandwich with more favorite pizza flavors.