Pizza Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy, cheesy, and loaded with pizza flavor in every bite. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or need a kid-friendly meal that adults will love too, this pizza grilled cheese hits the spot with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bread (thick white, sourdough, or Italian)
butter (for spreading on bread)
shredded mozzarella cheese or sliced mozzarella
pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
marinara or pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the unbuttered side.
4. Add a generous layer of mozzarella, followed by pepperoni or other toppings.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning if using.
6. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve with warm marinara for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Veggie Pizza Grilled Cheese: Add mushrooms, peppers, olives, or spinach.
• Meat Lovers: Layer pepperoni, sausage crumbles, bacon, or ham.
• Margherita Style: Use fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and tomato slices.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or spicy pepperoni.
• Cheese Explosion: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for a super cheesy bite.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara or pizza sauce works great and saves time.

What kind of bread is best?

Sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or thick-cut white bread works best to hold the fillings.

Can I make this sandwich in the oven?

Yes, bake assembled sandwiches at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

Is this good for kids?

Absolutely—this sandwich is a kid-friendly favorite and fun to eat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives to make it dairy-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble right before cooking.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic for that stretchy melt, but provolone or a pizza cheese blend also work well.

Can I air-fry it?

Yes, cook at 370°F (188°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Can I freeze pizza grilled cheese?

It’s not ideal, as freezing can affect the texture. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

What sides go well with it?

Serve with chips, salad, fries, or a small bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Pizza Grilled Cheese is an easy, indulgent sandwich that brings together two comfort food icons in the best way possible. With endless topping combinations and cheesy goodness in every bite, this recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings and making mealtime fun. Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun and cheesy twist on the classic sandwich, combining all the flavors of your favorite pizza with the crisp, melty appeal of grilled cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick white, sourdough, or Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/3 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices mozzarella
• 12–16 pepperoni slices (or other toppings)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place two slices, buttered side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara on the unbuttered side.
4. Top each with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan (if using), and Italian seasoning.
5. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
6. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.
7. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve warm with extra marinara for dipping.

Notes

• Customize with your favorite pizza toppings: cooked sausage, mushrooms, olives, or veggies.
• For extra crispiness, press sandwiches with a spatula while cooking.
• Fresh mozzarella gives great stretch but may release moisture—pat dry if using.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg