Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Craving comfort and bold flavors? Golden, crispy bread envelops gooey mozzarella and spicy pepperoni, layered with tangy pizza sauce and a parmesan garlic butter spread. This irresistible handheld delight fuses classic pizza and the simplicity of grilled cheese, making it quick enough for busy lunches or family dinners. Choose sturdy bread for the ideal crunch and customize with extra toppings like mushrooms or olives. Enjoy every bite dipped in warm marinara for an experience sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:04:07 GMT
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. Save
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. | lilicooks.com

Pizza grilled cheese is what happens when you cannot decide between two favorites This recipe is everything you love about pizza but with the crispy golden crunch and gooey comfort of grilled cheese It comes together fast and is always a huge hit on weekends or movie nights around here I have fun making these with my kids and we load them up with our favorite pizza toppings

The first time I tried this I made it as an after school snack for my daughter and her friends They devoured the sandwiches and asked for more so it quickly became one of our go to lunches

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: softened for a rich golden crust look for butter that is pale yellow and easy to spread
  • Grated parmesan cheese: this amps up the savory flavor use freshly grated for best melting
  • Italian seasoning: brings in those classic pizza herbs check your blend for oregano and basil
  • Garlic powder: ties it all together with deep flavor choose a fresh jar for stronger taste
  • Salt: a pinch wakes up all the flavor in the butter
  • Sturdy bread: like sourdough or Italian holds everything in without getting soggy check for bakery bread with a thick crust
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: the gooier the better buy whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for better melt
  • Pizza or marinara sauce: gives tang and that signature pizza taste select a thick sauce with plenty of herbs
  • Pepperoni: thinly sliced for even cooking and bold flavor choose a spicy or mild version depending on your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make Garlic Butter:
Mix the softened butter with parmesan cheese Italian seasoning garlic powder and salt in a small bowl Use a spatula to work these together until smooth and speckled with herbs This butter is the secret to fragrant crispy bread
Assemble Sandwiches:
Lay half the bread slices on a board Spread pizza sauce evenly over each slice making sure the edges are covered Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella Top with six slices of pepperoni for each sandwich and then cover with the remaining bread slices pressing gently
Spread Butter:
Slather a generous layer of the garlic butter on the outer sides of all sandwiches Make sure the butter reaches the edges This will create a golden crust and aromatic flavor
Grill:
Heat a sturdy nonstick skillet over medium heat Place the sandwiches butter side down into the pan Cook for about three to four minutes per side pressing gently until the crust is deep golden and cheese runs gooey from the sides Watch closely so the bread does not burn
Serve Hot:
Slice each sandwich in half straight from the pan Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping Watching the cheese pull away as you break the sandwich is always satisfying
A grilled cheese sandwich with pepperoni on top. Save
A grilled cheese sandwich with pepperoni on top. | lilicooks.com

My favorite ingredient is the garlic butter which soaks into the bread and browns to perfection My daughter always wants the crispy edges and we sometimes fight over the cheesiest piece

Storage Tips

These sandwiches are best fresh but leftovers can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to two days To reheat place in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat so the bread crisps up again and the cheese remelts I do not recommend microwaving as it can make the bread chewy

Ingredient Substitutions

You can skip pepperoni for a vegetarian option or try turkey pepperoni for less fat Dairy free cheese melts well if you want this sandwich vegan Switch up the mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor and do not hesitate to add any veggies you love on pizza

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for balance On game day I love to cut them into small squares for party snacks Extra marinara on the side for dipping is a must and sometimes we sprinkle a pinch of red pepper for extra kick

A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. Save
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Note

This recipe is a playful twist on classic American grilled cheese and Italian pizza bringing two comfort foods together It is a fun project for kids to assemble and personalize I love how simple ingredients you probably already have can make something that feels like a treat

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Yes! While mozzarella melts beautifully, provolone or a blend with cheddar also works well for a unique twist.

→ What bread provides the best texture?

Sourdough or Italian bread hold up best when grilling, offering a sturdy, crispy exterior and chewy bite.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Omit the pepperoni or use a plant-based alternative and enjoy all the flavors in a vegetarian-friendly sandwich.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Customize with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.

→ How do I keep the sandwich crispy?

Spread garlic butter on the outer bread before toasting in a hot skillet; avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess.

→ Is there a dipping sauce you recommend?

Warm marinara or pizza sauce paired with these sandwiches offers the perfect flavor boost for dipping.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Crispy bread, mozzarella, tangy sauce, and pepperoni combine in this ultimate melty sandwich.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
8 min
Overall Time
18 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Garlic Butter

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
03 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Grilled Cheese

06 8 thick slices sturdy bread (sourdough or Italian)
07 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce
09 24 thin slices pepperoni

Steps

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

Generously spread garlic butter on the outside of each sandwich.

Step 04

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 05

Slice the sandwiches and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips

  1. Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian for better texture and avoid sogginess.
  2. For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
  3. Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
  4. Customize by adding toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.

Required Tools

  • Skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, parmesan, mozzarella cheese).
  • Contains gluten (bread).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 18 g