Introduction

Pizza grilled cheese combines the best parts of two classic comfort foods into one delicious sandwich. Melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a flavorful garlic butter crust make every bite irresistible. It’s an easy, fun twist that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.

A close-up view of a grilled cheese sandwich cut into two triangular pieces stacked on a wooden board with a white marbled texture in the background, featuring three main layers: a top layer of crispy golden-brown bread with dark grill marks sprinkled with green herbs, a thick middle layer of melted stretchy white cheese oozing down the sides, and a bottom layer of soft toasted bread with a light brown crust. Some melted cheese pools onto the wooden surface, garnished with scattered herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
8 slices white bread
12 slices mozzarella cheese
6 ounces pepperoni
Warm pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well mixed.
Step 2: Spread the butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Arrange the bread slices butter side up on a sheet tray.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter side down.
Step 4: Layer on one slice of mozzarella cheese, then 6 pepperoni slices, another slice of mozzarella, 6 more pepperoni slices, and finish with a final slice of mozzarella.
Step 5: Top with another slice of bread, butter side up. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and then carefully flip.
Step 6: Cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, about 3 to 5 more minutes.
Step 7: Remove from the skillet and serve immediately with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat or sourdough bread for a different texture and flavor.
Try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives inside the sandwich for extra toppings.
For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Cook on a lower heat to ensure the cheese melts fully without burning the bread.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and ensure the cheese melts evenly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a sandwich cut in half, stacked with two thick slices of golden-brown toasted bread. The top layer is covered in melted cheese with a slightly browned, bubbly surface sprinkled with green herbs. Between the slices is a generous amount of stretchy melted cheese that pulls apart, showing gooey, creamy texture with some red tomato sauce peeking through. The sandwich sits on a wooden board with some herbs scattered around, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor but mozzarella melts best for that classic pizza grilled cheese texture.

Is it necessary to butter the bread before adding the cheese and pepperoni?

Yes, buttering the bread with the seasoned mixture helps create a crispy, flavorful crust that enhances the sandwich. It also prevents the bread from drying out while grilling.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, the Pizza Grilled Cheese combines melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a flavored buttery crust, served with warm pizza sauce for dipping. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Mixture

½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Sandwich

8 slices white bread
12 slices mozzarella cheese
6 ounces pepperoni

For Serving

Warm pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined to flavor the bread.
Butter the Bread: Evenly spread the butter mixture over one side of each bread slice. Place the slices butter side up on a sheet tray, ready for assembling.
Assemble the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place one bread slice butter side down in the skillet. Layer one slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by 6 pepperoni slices, then another layer of mozzarella, another 6 pepperoni slices, and a final slice of mozzarella cheese.
Top and Cook: Place the remaining bread slice on top of the sandwich, butter side up. Cook the sandwich until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
Serve: Remove the grilled sandwich from the skillet immediately and serve hot with warm pizza sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Use medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
You can substitute white bread for whole wheat or sourdough for extra flavor.
Adjust pepperoni quantity according to preference or replace with other pizza toppings like cooked sausage or vegetables.
Be sure the butter is very soft for easy mixing and spreading.
Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Keywords: Pizza Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Pepperoni Sandwich, Mozzarella Sandwich, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food