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