Pizza grilled cheese is a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining the gooey cheesiness of grilled cheese with the savory flavors of pizza, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack.

The image shows a tall stack of grilled sandwiches on a wooden board, each sandwich containing melted cheese and slices of pepperoni. The sandwiches have golden brown, crispy toasted bread with visible grill marks on the top layer. Between the bread slices, there are bright red pepperoni slices layered with gooey, melted cheese that pulls slightly in places. The stack is slightly uneven, with some cheese and pepperoni peeking out from the sides. A spoon with red sauce rests on the board near the sandwiches, and there is a small jar of red sauce blurred in the background. The surface beneath the board is a white marbled texture. 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 softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered sides evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to add extra pizza flavor as they toast.
Step 2: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Spread marinara sauce on the inside of each slice. Top each with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and any additional toppings you like. Cover with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting. Flip carefully to avoid spilling the fillings. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for about a minute. Slice each sandwich in half and sprinkle with fresh basil, if using. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, replace the turkey pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Use a combination of cheeses like provolone or cheddar along with mozzarella for richer flavor.
Cooking on medium-low heat helps the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

Two grilled sandwiches sit on a round wooden cutting board, each sandwich made of two golden-brown toasted bread slices with a crispy texture. The sandwiches are filled with melted white and yellow cheese and thin, slightly curled red pepperoni slices. Next to the board is a metal spoon with a small amount of thick red sauce, some loose pepperoni slices, and a wedge of pale yellow cheese. In the background, there are two open sandwich halves stacked with more cheese and pepperoni on a white marbled surface with a jar of red sauce nearby. A white and red striped cloth is partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, you can use any bread you prefer, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or focaccia. Just choose a bread that toasts well and holds the fillings without falling apart.

What toppings work best besides pepperoni?

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Sliced olives, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even cooked sausage are great choices to enhance the pizza flavors.