Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The Ultimate Comfort Food Twist

If you’re a fan of both pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches, you’re in for a treat! Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine the best of both worlds—gooey, melted cheese sandwiched between crispy, buttery bread with a burst of pizza flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect indulgent meal that everyone will love, especially if you’re craving something quick, cheesy, and delicious.

With a mix of marinara sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, these sandwiches take the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level. Whether for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, this pizza-inspired grilled cheese is a winner every time. For more cheesy sandwich ideas, check out this Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup or explore these Pizza-Inspired Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches | Quick & Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches (2 servings) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a fun and delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese. Combining the crispy, buttery goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich with the savory flavors of pizza, these sandwiches are loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni (or any topping of your choice), and marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, lunch, or an easy party appetizer, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy any pizza and grilled cheese lover!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices of bread (any kind, but a thick, hearty bread like sourdough or Italian works best)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading on the bread)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or sliced pepperoni (optional, you can also use sausage, veggies, or other toppings)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Optional Toppings (for extra flavor):

• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Extra mozzarella or Parmesan for sprinkling on top after grilling

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Instructions

Prepare the Bread:

• Lay out the 8 slices of bread on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. The buttered side will be the outside of the sandwich for grilling.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread.
• Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella.
• Add the mini pepperoni (or your choice of toppings) evenly across the cheese. Sprinkle the dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) on top for extra flavor.
• Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Grill the Sandwiches:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted.
• Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwiches to ensure even grilling and melting.

Serve:

• Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing.
• Cut the sandwiches in half or into quarters for easier dipping.
• Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Optional Garnish:

• Top with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

• You can get creative with your toppings! Try adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even bacon to make your pizza grilled cheese even more flavorful.
• For a spicy kick, drizzle a bit of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes inside the sandwich before grilling.
• To make it even cheesier, you can use a combination of different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, in addition to mozzarella.
• Make sure to watch the sandwiches carefully while grilling, as the butter can burn quickly on medium-high heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Snack
• Method: Grilling / Stovetop
• Cuisine: American / Italian (Pizza-inspired)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich (1/2 sandwich per person for 2 servings)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered side will be the outside of the sandwich for that golden, crispy texture.
2. Assemble the sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread, spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add a pinch of dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.
3. Close the sandwich: Place the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of the cheese layer, making sure to sandwich the ingredients together.
4. Cook the sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
5. Finish and serve: Once both sides of the sandwiches are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
6. Serve hot: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your pizza grilled cheese sandwiches!

Advanced Techniques

Take your Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to the next level with these advanced techniques:

1. Make Your Own Marinara Sauce

For a fresher, more flavorful sauce, try making your own marinara sauce. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add canned tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer for about 20 minutes for a rich, homemade touch.

2. Add Toppings Like Pepperoni or Sausage

Make your sandwiches more like a pizza by adding your favorite toppings! Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added between the cheese layers for extra pizza flavor.

3. Use Different Cheeses

While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can get creative with other cheeses. Try adding a layer of provolone, cheddar, or even a sharp gouda for a different flavor profile. Mixing different cheeses will give your sandwich a unique taste.

4. Grill with Garlic Butter

For an extra burst of flavor, replace the regular butter with garlic butter. Simply mix softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt, then spread it on the bread before grilling. This will give your sandwich a rich, savory aroma.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Though these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store and reheat them if you have leftovers:

Storage

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover pizza grilled cheese sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these sandwiches, but it’s best to freeze them before grilling. Place the assembled sandwiches (without grilling) in a plastic wrap or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Oven Method: Reheat the grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and heated through.
• Skillet Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread crisps up again and the cheese melts.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches can be made to suit various dietary needs with a few simple swaps:

1. Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. Many grocery stores offer excellent gluten-free sandwich bread, so you can still enjoy the crispy, gooey goodness of these sandwiches.

2. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives like vegan mozzarella. Also, swap the butter for a dairy-free option like margarine or olive oil.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the bread with keto-friendly bread or even zucchini slices. You can also use lettuce wraps if you’re looking to skip the bread entirely.

4. Vegan

To make these sandwiches vegan, opt for dairy-free cheese and vegan butter. You can also add plant-based pepperoni or other vegan toppings for a fully vegan pizza grilled cheese experience.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara. It will add an extra pizza-like flavor to the sandwiches, so feel free to experiment with different types of sauces.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

While grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the sandwiches ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply grill them as instructed.

Can I make these sandwiches without butter?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can grill the sandwiches with olive oil or use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking without butter. For a richer flavor, try using mayonnaise on the bread for a crispy, golden exterior.

Can I make mini pizza grilled cheese sandwiches?

Absolutely! To make mini versions, simply cut the bread into smaller pieces, then follow the same steps to create bite-sized pizza grilled cheese sandwiches that are perfect for appetizers or kids.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a fun, delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods. With gooey cheese, crispy bread, and a burst of pizza flavor, these sandwiches are the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying them for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t forget to customize with your favorite pizza toppings for even more pizzazz!