If you love the comforting goodness of melted cheese and the bold, tangy flavors of pizza, then you are in for a real treat with this Pizza Grilled Cheese. This irresistible sandwich takes all your favorite pizza toppings and cheese, sandwiches them between golden, buttery toasted bread, and transforms your lunch or snack time into a celebration of comfort food magic. The Pizza Grilled Cheese is crispy, cheesy, and bursting with rich flavors that feel like a warm, savory hug with every bite.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together this Pizza Grilled Cheese is a breeze with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role — from the buttery crust to the melty cheeses and zesty seasonings that truly capture that beloved pizza essence.

Bread (4 slices): Sourdough, white, or whole wheat all work perfectly to create that crisp, golden exterior.
Butter (2 tbsp, softened): Coats the bread for a rich, crispy finish when toasted.
Marinara or pizza sauce (½ cup): Brings that unmistakable tangy tomato flavor that sets pizza grilled cheese apart.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The classic melty cheese that strings and oozes with every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, savory kick and depth of flavor.
Turkey pepperoni slices (12 pieces): Delivers the perfect spicy and meaty pizza topping punch.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Sprinkled on the buttered bread to enhance that irresistible garlic aroma.
Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Offers that herby, classic Italian flavor profile.
Chopped fresh basil (2 tbsp, optional): Adds a fresh, bright pop of flavor to finish your grilled cheese off beautifully.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

First, take your four slices of bread and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. Then, sprinkle the buttered side with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This step infuses the bread with those signature pizza flavors as it cooks, giving your sandwich a golden, flavorful crust that’s simply irresistible.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Next, lay two slices of bread buttered side down on a clean surface. On the unbuttered sides, spread a generous spoonful of marinara or pizza sauce. Over the sauce, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, followed by turkey pepperoni slices to pack on the meaty, savory notes. Feel free to add extra toppings if you like—just remember to keep it balanced so your sandwich holds together. Finally, crown your masterpiece with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side facing up.

Step 3: Toast the Sandwich

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to ensure slow and even toasting. Place your assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side, pressing down gently with a spatula to help meld everything together. Carefully flip each sandwich and toast the other side until the bread is beautifully golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted and gooey. This slow toasting is what turns your creation into the ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once toasted to perfection, remove your sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for a minute to settle the melty cheese inside. Slice them in half diagonally for that classic grilled cheese look, then sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a fragrant, fresh finish. Pair with an extra side of marinara for dipping to take every bite to pizza heaven.

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

Brighten your Pizza Grilled Cheese with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. A dusting of Parmesan right before serving adds an extra layer of savory goodness that makes the presentation as appetizing as the taste.

Side Dishes

Complement this indulgent sandwich with crisp garden salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or crispy seasoned fries. Each side adds texture and balance — the salad cleanses the palate, and the soup or fries keep the comfort food vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic sandwich slice: serve your Pizza Grilled Cheese as fun mini sliders for parties or cut into strips for dippable grilled cheese “fingers.” Alternatively, place a skewer through the halves with a cherry tomato for a playful and colorful presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This approach keeps the sandwich fresh but expect the crust to soften slightly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze assembled but un-toasted sandwiches individually in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, toast your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until the bread crisps up again and the cheese warms through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this Pizza Grilled Cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sourdough for a tangy crunch, or whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. Just pick a bread that toasts well and can hold all the fillings without falling apart.

What if I’m vegetarian? Can I skip the pepperoni?

Yes! Simply omit the turkey pepperoni and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. You can also toss in some olives or artichoke hearts to keep that authentic pizza taste.

Is it okay to use store-bought pizza sauce?

Definitely. Store-bought marinara or pizza sauce works wonderfully and saves time. Just choose one with good tomato flavor and seasoning to elevate your sandwich even more.

Can I add other cheeses besides mozzarella and Parmesan?

For sure! Provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar can add great depth. Just be mindful of melting properties to keep the sandwich gooey and delicious.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Use just enough sauce to add flavor without drenching the bread. Also, butter the bread and toast it slowly over medium-low heat to achieve a crispy crust that helps keep everything intact.

Final Thoughts

Making a Pizza Grilled Cheese is like capturing the best parts of two classic comfort foods and bringing them together in one unforgettable bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and truly satisfying whether for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Give this recipe a try—once you taste that golden, melty, savory goodness, Pizza Grilled Cheese might just become your new favorite comfort food go-to!

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe. Featuring crispy, buttery bread toasted to perfection and oozing with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, savory turkey pepperoni, and flavorful marinara sauce, this sandwich is packed with classic pizza flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or indulgent snack, it’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

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

Cheese and Sauce

½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Toppings and Seasonings

12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
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 bread slice. Sprinkle the buttered sides evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse the bread with rich pizza flavors as it toasts.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place two slices of bread buttered side down on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce evenly on the non-buttered side of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and turkey pepperoni on top of the sauce. If desired, add extra toppings of your choice. Finish by placing the remaining bread slices on top with buttered sides facing up.
Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Press down slightly with a spatula to help the sandwich brown evenly and cheese melt fully. Flip gently to avoid spilling the fillings.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute to allow the cheese to settle slightly. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally, garnish with fresh chopped basil for an aromatic lift, and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use any type of bread you prefer; sourdough adds a nice tang, while whole wheat offers more fiber.
For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, roasted peppers, or olives.
Adjust the cooking time depending on your stove’s heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting without excess moisture.
Adding fresh basil after cooking brightens the flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Lunch, Snack
Method: Grilling/Toasting
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion