Ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza grilled cheese is the perfect mashup when you’re craving both pizza and a classic grilled cheese sandwich at the same time. I love making this when I want all the flavors of my favorite pizza – melty mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and tangy marinara – but in a crispy, buttery grilled cheese form that’s ready quickly.

The first time I made pizza grilled cheese, I was looking for a quick lunch that would satisfy my pizza craving without waiting for delivery. I slathered bread with butter, stuffed it with mozzarella and pepperoni, and grilled it until golden and gooey. That first bite was pure magic. The combination of crispy, buttery bread with oozing cheese and savory pizza toppings created the ultimate comfort food. Now it’s my go-to recipe when I want something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This cheesy grilled sandwich brings together the best of both worlds in one handheld meal.

What You’ll Need for This Pizza Grilled Cheese

Let me walk you through the ingredients for this amazing sandwich. I always use a sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast because it holds up beautifully to all the fillings without getting soggy.

• 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 pepperoni slices, or regular pepperoni, finely chopped
• Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed and drained)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
• 2 tablespoons sliced black olives, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped, or dried oregano
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
• 4-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Optional: 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Pro tip: I prefer mixing a little mayonnaise with my butter because it creates an even crispier, more golden crust on the bread. The cheese blend is crucial – low-moisture mozzarella prevents sogginess while provolone adds amazing flavor depth.

How to Make the Best Pizza Grilled Cheese

I recommend prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking so everything comes together smoothly and efficiently.

Step 1: Soften the butter at room temperature or combine it with mayonnaise if using. In a medium bowl, grate and combine the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare all your toppings. Chop the pepperoni into small pieces, finely dice the bell peppers and red onion if using (sauté them in a small pan for 2-3 minutes and drain well to prevent sogginess), chop the olives, and measure out your herbs. Make sure any cooked sausage or mushrooms are well-drained.

Step 3: Lay out all 8 bread slices on your work surface. Spread the butter or butter-mayo mixture generously on one side of each slice. This buttered side will face down in the pan first, creating the crispy, golden exterior of your pizza grilled cheese.

Step 4: Place 4 slices buttered-side down on your work surface. These will be your sandwich bottoms. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of each bottom slice.

Step 5: Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of your cheese blend over the sauce on each sandwich. The cheese acts as a glue to hold everything together.

Step 6: Evenly distribute your prepared toppings – pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, onions, basil, and any optional ingredients – over the cheese layer. Don’t overload or your sandwich will be difficult to flip.

Step 7: Top the toppings with the remaining cheese blend, dividing it evenly among the four sandwiches (about 1/3 cup each). This upper cheese layer will help seal everything in.

Step 8: Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. Gently press down to secure all the fillings inside.

Step 9: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes. Medium-low heat is crucial – too hot and the bread burns before the cheese melts.

Step 10: Carefully transfer two assembled sandwiches to the preheated pan, buttered-side down. Cook in batches if your pan can’t fit all four comfortably. Grill for 4-6 minutes without pressing down – pressing squeezes out the cheese and toppings.

Step 11: After 4-6 minutes, when the bottom is deep golden brown, cover the pan with a lid for 2-3 minutes. This creates steam that helps melt the cheese evenly throughout your pizza grilled cheese.

Step 12: Using a wide spatula, carefully flip each sandwich. Cover the pan again and grill the second side for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and oozing from the sides. Total cook time should be 10-15 minutes per sandwich.

Step 13: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a wire rack for a minute to prevent the bottom from getting soggy, then move to a cutting board. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining two sandwiches.

Common mistake to avoid: Don’t skip the resting step. Let your pizza grilled cheese rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all pour out when you slice.

Step 14: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each sandwich diagonally for the classic presentation. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping and optional red pepper flakes for heat.

Perfect Pairings for Your Pizza Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is hearty enough to stand alone, but certain sides complement it beautifully.

Tomato Soup: The classic pairing never fails – the acidity of tomato soup cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter perfectly.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the indulgence of your pizza grilled cheese.

Garlic Parmesan Fries: Double down on comfort food with crispy fries seasoned with garlic and Parmesan for the ultimate satisfying meal.

Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tangy, briny crunch of pickles provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy sandwich.

Caesar Salad: The creamy, garlicky dressing and crisp romaine create a restaurant-quality lunch when served alongside this sandwich.

More Delicious Comfort Food Sandwiches and Soups

These pizza grilled cheese sandwiches pair wonderfully with comforting soups and other satisfying recipes perfect for cozy meals. For a complete comfort food spread, serve alongside the rich and creamy Creamy Taco Soup or the classic Cheeseburger Soup – both complement the Italian flavors beautifully while adding variety to the meal.

When looking for more creative sandwich ideas, try the indulgent Apple Butter Brie Grilled Cheese for a sweet and savory twist, or the fun Hawaiian Roll Grilled Cheese for a softer, sweeter bread option. The Garlic Butter Cheeseburger Rollups offer another handheld option that’s equally satisfying and perfect for families.

Keeping Your Pizza Grilled Cheese Fresh

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh.

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through and the bread crisps up again. The microwave makes the bread soggy and rubbery.

Pro tip: You can prep the sandwiches ahead by assembling them completely (butter applied to exterior), wrapping individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerating for up to 4 hours before cooking. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Your Pizza Grilled Cheese Questions Answered

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