Why Make This Recipe

Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for anyone who loves melted cheese and delicious pizza toppings. It’s easy to make, takes just a few minutes, and is perfect for lunch, a snack, or dinner. This recipe combines two beloved dishes into one gooey, cheesy delight that will please everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it even more special.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

4 slices of your favorite bread (I prefer sourdough or a hearty Italian loaf)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pepperoni slices, quartered (or use your favorite pizza toppings!)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Get Started: Prep all ingredients.
Butter the Bread: Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
Sauce It Up: Flip two bread slices over (unbuttered side up). Spread 1/4 cup of pizza sauce on each, leaving a little space around the edges.
Cheese Please!: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce on each slice.
Add the Toppings: Distribute the quartered pepperoni slices evenly over the mozzarella cheese on both slices. Add any other desired toppings.
Parmesan Power: Sprinkle 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni on each slice.
More Cheese!: Add the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni and Parmesan on each slice.
Parmesan Again!: Sprinkle the remaining 1/8 cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella on each slice.
Seasoning Time: Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning over the cheese and toppings on each slice. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Top It Off: Carefully place the remaining two slices of bread on top of the cheese and toppings, buttered side up.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Grill the First Side: Carefully place the pizza grilled cheese sandwiches in the heated skillet.
Press and Cook: Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Flip It Over: Once the first side is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwiches over using a spatula. Press down gently again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the cheese is fully melted, you can use a spatula to gently lift the edge of the bread and peek inside. If the cheese is still not melted, continue cooking for a minute or two more per side.
Remove from Pan: Once the pizza grilled cheese sandwiches are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice each sandwich in half diagonally. This makes them easier to handle and eat.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the pizza grilled cheese with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the pizza grilled cheese sandwiches immediately while they’re hot and cheesy. They’re best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.
Enjoy!: Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious homemade pizza grilled cheese! It’s the perfect comfort food for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a fun dinner.

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese

Serve your Pizza Grilled Cheese with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping. You can also pair it with a simple salad, some potato chips, or a bowl of soup. This dish is best enjoyed hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking.

How to Store Pizza Grilled Cheese

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the sandwiches cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat to warm them until the cheese is melty again.

Tips to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking.
Don’t rush the heat; cooking on medium-low ensures the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
If you love a little spice, add jalapeños or chopped peppers to your toppings.

Variations

Veggie Pizza Grilled Cheese: Substitute pepperoni with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
Three-Cheese Pizza Grilled Cheese: Add ricotta or cheddar for an extra cheesy experience.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Grilled Cheese: Add shredded cooked chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free bread and feel free to customize the toppings.
What can I use instead of pizza sauce?
You can use marinara, pesto, or even Alfredo sauce for a different flavor.
Can I freeze Pizza Grilled Cheese?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the assembled sandwiches before cooking. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.