Pizza grilled cheese is a fun twist on two favorites! Imagine gooey cheese and tasty pizza toppings stuffed between crispy, buttery bread. What’s not to love?
Sometimes I can’t decide between pizza and a sandwich, so this is my perfect solution! Just grill it until golden and watch it melt amazing flavors together. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can really use any bread you love! I prefer sourdough for its chewy texture and flavor. If you want something healthier, whole wheat is a great option. Don’t have either? Even white bread works just fine!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for this dish because it melts beautifully. If you want a stronger flavor, try provolone or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
Pepperoni: If you’re looking for a healthier swap, turkey pepperoni or sliced veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms can work well. They still give you that pizza vibe!
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices. It’s easier than you think! Feel free to skip it if you want a simpler sandwich.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning mixes perfectly with this recipe, but adding garlic powder boosts the pizza flavor even more. If you don’t have these, just use whatever herbs you like, such as oregano or basil.
How Can I Achieve a Golden, Crispy Crust?
The secret to a delicious golden crust is all about the butter and the heat. Start by spreading a generous amount of butter on the outside of the bread. This gives flavor and helps brown the sandwich nicely.
- Heat the skillet on medium, so it’s hot, but not too hot that it burns the bread. A good test is to add a tiny drop of water; if it dances, you’re ready!
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it! If it’s browning too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
- Consider pressing down lightly with a spatula while cooking, this helps the cheese melt even more evenly.
Enjoy crafting that crispy crust! It makes the sandwich all the more satisfying.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice: white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices of pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe will take about 10 minutes total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the sandwich and another 5 minutes cooking it to crispy perfection. Simple and quick for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. This buttery side will be on the outside, helping your grilled cheese become golden and crisp when cooked.
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
Taking two of the slices of bread (the unbuttered sides up), layer two slices of mozzarella cheese on each. Next, add two slices of pepperoni, a tablespoon of pizza sauce on top of each, and finish with another two slices of mozzarella cheese. This layering will give you that classic pizza flavor!
3. Close the Sandwich:
Place the remaining slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up. Now, you’ve got a delicious sandwich ready for grilling!
4. Heat the Pan:
Place a skillet or frying pan on the stove and preheat it over medium heat. Make sure it gets nice and warm before you start cooking!
5. Cook the Sandwich:
Carefully place your assembled sandwich in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown. You want it to be crispy and toasted!
6. Flip the Sandwich:
Once the bottom side is golden, carefully flip the sandwich. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until it’s also golden brown and the cheese has melted inside—yum!
7. Season:
If you like, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic powder over the sandwich while it’s cooking for an extra boost of flavor. It adds a nice touch!
8. Serve:
Once both sides are perfectly golden and crispy, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Cut it in half and serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for a pizza-inspired grilled cheese, you can try other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a cheese blend for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may melt differently.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the Pizza Grilled Cheese, simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with your favorite veggies! Consider using sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for that classic pizza flavor without the meat.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the sandwiches ahead of time! Just assemble them (but don’t butter the outside) and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook, butter the outside, and proceed with grilling.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to warm it through while ensuring the outside gets crispy.
