Introduction

Experience the delicious fusion of two classics with this Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe. Melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and savory pepperoni come together between buttery toasted bread for a comforting meal that’s quick and satisfying.

The image shows a thick, rectangular pizza sandwich with two layers of toasted golden-brown bread. The top layer has melted, bubbly cheese with browned spots and a sprinkling of herbs. Below this is a layer of rich red tomato sauce, followed by thin, circular pepperoni slices peeking from under the overflowing melted white cheese that stretches down the sides between the bread layers. The sandwich is placed on white parchment paper with some oil stains and set on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are stacked white plates and a glass of water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
2 tbsp butter (softened)
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle the buttered sides evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Step 2: Place two slices of bread buttered side down on a flat surface. Spread marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of each slice. Layer shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, turkey pepperoni, and fresh basil if using. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly. Flip carefully until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted through.
Step 4: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let cool for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or add sliced mushrooms for extra toppings.
Swap turkey pepperoni for spicy pepperoni, ham, or cooked sausage to vary the flavor.
Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling for a tangy finish.
To make it vegetarian, replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the bread regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A rectangular sandwich with three visible layers is shown close up, sitting on parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick piece of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust. Above it, there is a layer of melted mozzarella cheese that is gooey and stretches out, mixed with round slices of pepperoni. The top layer is another thick slice of toasted bread covered evenly with melted, slightly bubbly cheese browned in spots and sprinkled with green herbs. The edges of the bread are crisp and golden, showing some charring. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the bread completely before assembling and grilling to ensure even toasting and melting.

What can I substitute if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can use tomato sauce mixed with Italian seasoning or even a pizza sauce blend if marinara isn’t available. Just make sure it’s not too watery to avoid soggy bread.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the beloved tastes of pizza. Featuring melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, turkey pepperoni, and a zesty marinara spread, this easy skillet-cooked sandwich is perfect for a quick, delicious meal that satisfies pizza cravings in a handheld form.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
2 tbsp butter (softened)
½ cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Sprinkle the buttered side evenly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning to infuse additional pizza flavor while toasting.
Assemble the Sandwich: Lay two slices of bread buttered side down on a flat surface. Evenly spread marinara sauce on the inside-facing sides of both slices. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle grated Parmesan. Top with turkey pepperoni slices and any optional toppings such as fresh basil. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to compact the sandwich and help melt the cheese. Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden brown, about another 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly, slice if desired, and enjoy your flavorful pizza grilled cheese warm.

Notes

Use sourdough or whole wheat bread for extra flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit turkey pepperoni or substitute with mushrooms or bell peppers.
Adjust seasoning amounts according to personal preference.
Cook on medium-low heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Feel free to add other pizza toppings like olives or onions for variety.

Keywords: Pizza grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pizza sandwich, turkey pepperoni sandwich, easy skillet recipe, cheesy sandwich, quick lunch