Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Pizza grilled cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort sandwich, combining gooey melted cheeses with savory pizza toppings. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Prepare for a crispy, cheesy experience with a punch of Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup mini beef pepperoni slices or regular beef pepperoni, finely chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed & drained)
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
- 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained & chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
- Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
- 4-6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Soften the butter, and if desired, mix it with mayonnaise for a creamy blend. Grate and combine all cheeses in a bowl. Prepare toppings by chopping pepperoni, sautéing and draining bell peppers and onions if using, chopping olives and basil (or measuring oregano), and ensuring cooked sausage or mushrooms are well-drained. Measure out the pizza sauce. Lay out the bread slices ready for assembly.
- Step 2: Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of all 8 bread slices; this will be the sandwich exterior. Place 4 slices buttered-side down to form the sandwich bottoms. Flip these slices so the unbuttered side is up, then spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each. Sprinkle about a quarter to a third of the cheese blend evenly over the sauce, then distribute the prepared toppings over the cheese. Add the remaining cheese blend on top of the toppings. Finally, place the remaining 4 buttered bread slices on top, buttered-side up, pressing gently to secure the fillings.
- Step 3: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place two sandwiches buttered-side down in the pan (cook in batches if needed). Grill for 4 to 6 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown; avoid pressing down. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to help the cheese melt evenly. Flip the sandwiches, cover again, and grill the other side for another 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly and melted. Each sandwich takes about 10 to 15 minutes total. Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
- Step 4: Let the sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes; this helps the cheese set and the crust stay crisp. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, blend softened butter with mayonnaise before spreading on the bread.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mild cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Lightly sauté and drain vegetables such as bell peppers and onions to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for an evenly browned, crispy crust.
- Add cooked sausage or mushrooms for more hearty, meaty toppings.
Storage
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispy crust and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pizza grilled cheese ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for a few hours before grilling, but cooking immediately yields the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have all the toppings listed?
The recipe is flexible—use whatever pizza toppings you enjoy or have on hand. Even just a mix of cheeses and sauce makes a delicious grilled cheese.
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Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comfort of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the vibrant flavors of pizza. Layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and optional cheddar cheeses, along with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and an assortment of flavorful toppings, it’s grilled to golden perfection in a skillet. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner that satisfies pizza cravings in sandwich form.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter
- 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
- 4–6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise (to blend with butter)
Cheeses
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack
Sauces & Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup mini beef pepperoni slices, or regular beef pepperoni, finely chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed & drained)
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
- 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained & chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
- Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
- Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place): Soften the butter or combine it with mayonnaise if using for a blended spread. Grate and combine all cheeses in a bowl. Prepare the toppings by chopping the beef pepperoni, finely dicing the bell peppers and red onion (lightly sauté and drain if desired), chopping black olives and fresh basil or measuring dried oregano, and ensuring any cooked sausage or mushrooms are well-drained. Measure out the marinara sauce and lay out all bread slices for assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of all 8 bread slices; this will be the exterior of each sandwich. Place 4 slices buttered-side down on a flat surface to serve as sandwich bottoms. Flip each bottom slice so the unbuttered side is facing up and spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly on each. Sprinkle approximately one-quarter to one-third of the cheese blend over the sauce, then evenly distribute prepared toppings over the cheese. Finish with the remaining cheese blend sprinkled on top of the toppings. Close each sandwich with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered-side up, and gently press down to secure the fillings.
- Grill to Golden Perfection: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place two assembled sandwiches into the pan, buttered-side down (cook in batches if necessary). Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes until the bottom is a deep golden brown, without pressing down on the sandwiches. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to help the cheese melt evenly. Flip the sandwiches, cover again, and grill the other side for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until that side is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly and melted. Total cook time per sandwich should be approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooked, transfer sandwiches to a wire rack to avoid sogginess from steam.
- Rest, Slice, and Serve: Allow the grilled sandwiches to rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes; this helps the cheese to set and the crust to crisp up further. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately accompanied by additional warm marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast for best results to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Lightly sautéing bell peppers and onions softens them and reduces excess moisture that can make sandwiches soggy.
- Covering the pan while grilling helps to melt the cheese evenly inside the sandwich.
- Resting the sandwich after cooking lets the cheese set slightly and prevents overly runny fillings.
- Butter combined with mayonnaise on the bread can add extra richness and help achieve a crispier crust.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to preferences, such as adding mushrooms, cooked sausage, or different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, skillet grilled cheese, comfort food, easy lunch, melted cheese sandwich
