Pizza Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on two classic favorites: pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s cozy, warm, and filled with rich flavors that both kids and adults will love. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, you can whip this up in no time and enjoy a cheesy, crispy delight.

Why You Will Love This Pizza Grilled Cheese

This dish is a fantastic choice for families looking for a tasty meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to make, which is a big plus on busy days. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it versatile for picky eaters. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy pizza flavors in a new form. It’s bound to become a go-to for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Making this comforting dish is very straightforward. It involves layering cheese and toppings between slices of bread and grilling them to perfection. A few simple steps are all it takes, and the result is a crunchy, cheesy sandwich that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how easily this comes together!

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

Prepare Ingredients (Mise en Place): Soften butter (or combine with mayonnaise for blend). Grate and combine all cheeses. Prepare toppings: chop beef pepperoni, finely dice bell peppers/red onion (sauté & drain if desired), chop olives, chop fresh basil/measure oregano, ensure beef sausage/mushrooms are cooked & well-drained. Measure out pizza sauce. Lay out bread slices.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread butter/butter-mayo on one side of all 8 bread slices (this is the exterior). Place 4 slices, buttered-side down, as sandwich bottoms. Flip bottom slices, spread 1-2 tbsp pizza sauce on each unbuttered side. Sprinkle 1/4-1/3 of the cheese blend over sauce. Evenly distribute prepared toppings over cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese blend over toppings. Top with remaining 4 buttered bread slices, buttered-side up. Gently press to secure fillings.
Grill to Golden Perfection: Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes. Carefully transfer two assembled sandwiches to the pan, buttered-side down (cook in batches if needed). Grill for 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown; do not press. Cover pan with a lid for 2-3 minutes to promote even cheese melt. Flip sandwiches, cover, and grill second side for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly and oozing. Total cook time 10-15 minutes per sandwich. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Rest, Slice, and Serve: Rest the cooked sandwiches on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes; this allows the cheese to set and crust to crisp. Using a sharp, serrated knife, slice each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping, and optional red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is perfect on its own or served with a side of fresh salad or crispy fries. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light soup, like tomato or minestrone. It’s also great for lunchboxes, and kids will love dipping it in warm marinara sauce!

How to Store Pizza Grilled Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap sandwiches in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the cheese melts again. You can also pop them in the toaster oven for a crispy finish.

Recipe Tips

Use sturdy bread to hold the fillings.
Don’t skip the resting step to keep the crust crispy.
Feel free to mix and match the cheeses based on your family’s preference.
Use fresh toppings for the best flavor.
Keep the heat low to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.

Variations & Swaps

Swap out pepperoni for turkey bacon or veggies for a lighter option.
Try adding pesto for a burst of flavor.
For a kid-friendly version, keep it simple with just cheese and sauce.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches in advance and store them in the fridge. Just remember to grill them right before you want to enjoy them for the best texture.

Can I freeze Pizza Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! After grilling, let the sandwiches cool and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the freezer for up to two months. Just reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven.

What can I substitute for cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese alternatives that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sandwiches?
The best way to maintain their crispy texture is to reheat them in a skillet on low heat. This way, they get enough warm without getting soggy.

How do I avoid soggy grilled cheese?
Make sure to let them rest on a wire rack after grilling. This prevents steam from making the bread soggy. Enjoy your perfectly crispy creation!