Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A pizza grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—crispy, golden bread filled with gooey mozzarella, flavorful pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings, all melted into one irresistible bite. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for pizza lovers who want a simple meal with big flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two all-time favorites: pizza and grilled cheese
• Quick and easy to make with pantry staples
• Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack
• Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable
• Ready in under 15 minutes

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (white, sourdough, or Texas toast)
• Butter (softened, for spreading)
• Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
• Pizza sauce or marinara
• Pepperoni slices (or other pizza toppings of choice)
• Optional: parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, olives, mushrooms, jalapeños

directions

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce.
3. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (or toppings), then more cheese.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook sandwich 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is fully melted.
7. Remove from skillet, let rest for a minute, slice, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 13–15 minutes

Variations

• Meat lover’s: Add crumbled sausage, ham, or bacon bits
• Veggie style: Add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach
• Spicy: Use spicy pepperoni and add red pepper flakes or jalapeños
• Cheesy supreme: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar
• Mini version: Make with slider buns or cut into sticks for dipping

storage/reheating

Best when served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until warm and crisp.
Avoid microwaving—it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for pizza grilled cheese?

Thick-cut white, sourdough, or Italian bread works best for structure and to hold all the fillings.

Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?

Yes! Marinara works great—just make sure it’s not too watery.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic for that stretchy melt, but provolone, cheddar, or a blend also work well.

Can I make this in a panini press?

Absolutely! A panini press will give you a nice crisp crust and help melt the cheese evenly.

How do I keep the bread from burning?

Cook on medium heat and flip once the bottom is golden. Press gently with a spatula as it cooks.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—try bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives. Cook them first to avoid adding too much moisture.

Is this sandwich kid-friendly?

Totally! It’s a fun, cheesy, handheld version of pizza most kids love.

Can I make a large batch for a party?

Yes—assemble several sandwiches and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

What dipping sauces go well with it?

Pizza sauce, ranch, garlic butter, or even spicy marinara all pair perfectly.

Can I freeze these?

It’s not ideal, but you can freeze them after cooking and reheat in a toaster oven for a quick snack.

Conclusion

The pizza grilled cheese sandwich is a cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed twist that brings all the fun of pizza into a simple, satisfying meal. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table—whether you’re craving comfort food or serving up a fun meal for the family.

Print