Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwich is a delicious mashup of two beloved classics, combining melty cheeses, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce between perfectly toasted bread. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner. Give this recipe a try for a gooey, flavorful twist on your usual grilled cheese.

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

1. Step 1: Soften the butter. If using mayonnaise, blend it into the butter to create a smooth spread. Grate and combine all the cheeses in a bowl. Prepare toppings by chopping pepperoni, finely dicing bell peppers and red onion (sauté and drain if using), chopping olives, and chopping fresh basil or measuring dried oregano. Ensure sausage or mushrooms are cooked and well-drained. Measure out the marinara sauce and lay out bread slices.
2. Step 2: Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of all 8 bread slices; this will be the exterior. Place 4 slices buttered-side down on the work surface as sandwich bottoms. Flip these slices and spread 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each. Sprinkle a quarter to a third of the cheese blend evenly over the sauce. Distribute the prepared toppings over the cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese blend on top. Complete each sandwich by topping with the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered-side up. Gently press each sandwich to secure the fillings.
3. Step 3: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully place two sandwiches in the pan, buttered side down. Cook in batches if necessary. Grill each sandwich for 4 to 6 minutes without pressing until the bottom is a deep golden brown. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese evenly. Flip the sandwiches, cover, and grill the other side for another 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and oozing. Total cooking time per sandwich is 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a wire rack to keep the crust crisp.
4. Step 4: Let the sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese sets slightly and the crust crisps further. Slice each sandwich diagonally with a sharp serrated knife and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix softened butter with a pinch of garlic powder before spreading on the bread.
• Use freshly sliced pepperoni or add cooked Italian sausage for a heartier sandwich.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Fontina or Gouda for a richer taste.
• If you like a bit of crunch inside, add thinly sliced bell peppers or onions crisped slightly in the pan before assembling.
• To avoid soggy bread, drain any moist toppings well and use a wire rack after cooking instead of placing the sandwich on a plate.

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-low heat to restore crispness and melt the cheese again, or use a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even grilling.

What bread works best for pizza grilled cheese?

Sturdy breads like sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast hold up best to the moist toppings and butter, providing a crisp exterior and a chewy interior without becoming soggy.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the comforting creaminess of melted cheeses with the savory flavors of pepperoni and marinara sauce, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery slices of sturdy bread. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, it offers a delightful twist on traditional grilled cheese with the essence of classic pizza ingredients.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Butter

• 8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
• 4–6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

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 cheese

Sauce and 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)

Extras

• Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise (to mix with butter for spread)
• Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place): Soften the butter, or if using mayonnaise, combine it with the softened butter to create a blended spread. Grate and combine all cheeses in a bowl. Prepare toppings by chopping the beef pepperoni, finely dicing bell peppers and red onion then lightly sautéing and draining them if using. Chop the olives and the fresh basil or measure dried oregano. Make sure any beef sausage or mushrooms are cooked and well-drained. Measure out the pizza sauce and lay out the bread slices ready for assembly.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture on one side of all 8 slices of bread – this will be the exterior when grilled. Place 4 slices buttered-side down to serve as the sandwich bottoms. Flip each bottom slice, then spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side. Sprinkle approximately one-quarter to one-third of the cheese blend evenly over the sauce. Distribute the prepared toppings evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese blend. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. Gently press the sandwiches to secure the fillings.
3. 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 in the pan, buttered-side down; cook in batches if necessary. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes until the bottoms are a deep golden brown; avoid pressing down on the sandwiches. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to promote even melting of the cheese. Flip the sandwiches, cover again, and grill the other side for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly and oozing. Total cook time per sandwich is 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the sandwiches and transfer to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
4. Rest, Slice, and Serve: Let the cooked sandwiches rest on a cutting board for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the crust to crisp. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Use sturdy bread like sourdough or rustic Italian for the best structure and flavor.
• Combining butter with mayonnaise for spreading helps achieve a perfectly crispy exterior with a rich flavor.
• Low and slow grilling prevents burning while allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
• Covering the pan during grilling helps melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the bread.
• Resting the sandwich before slicing helps avoid the cheese from oozing out excessively.
• Customize toppings based on preference or omit any optional ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Keywords: grilled cheese, pizza sandwich, mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara, stovetop sandwich