Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza Grilled Cheese is everything I love about two comfort food classics—pizza and grilled cheese—mashed into one delicious, melty sandwich. Crispy, buttery bread with gooey mozzarella, savory pizza sauce, and all my favorite toppings tucked in between. It’s cheesy, it’s quick, and it totally satisfies that pizza craving without the hassle of dough or delivery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flexible, and absolutely indulgent. It only takes a few minutes to prep and cook, but it delivers all the bold, cheesy flavor of a slice of pizza. I can customize it with pepperoni, veggies, or even extra cheese, depending on what I’m in the mood for. It’s a great go-to for lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or even a late-night snack.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 slices of bread (I like sourdough or Italian)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced mozzarella)

• 4 tablespoons pizza sauce

• Optional: sliced pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or fresh basil

Directions

1. I mix the soft butter and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

2. I spread the Parmesan butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread.

3. I flip the bread over and spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce on the inside of two slices.

4. I layer on mozzarella cheese and any extra toppings I’m using—like pepperoni or mushrooms.

5. I top with the other slices of bread (buttered side out) to form sandwiches.

6. I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwiches for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

7. I let them cool for a minute before slicing and serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2 sandwiches

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 8 minutes

• Total time: 13 minutes

Variations

• I use garlic butter instead of plain butter for an extra burst of flavor.

• For a spicy version, I add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

• I sometimes go meatless with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black olives.

• I swap in cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy profile.

Storage/Reheating

Pizza Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I crisp them up in a skillet or toaster oven—microwaving works too, but it softens the bread.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread?

Yes, I’ve made this with sourdough, white, whole wheat, and even brioche. Just choose a sturdy bread that holds up to grilling.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Mozzarella gives that classic pizza stretch, but provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully too.

Can I make this in the oven?

I prefer pan-grilling for the best crisp, but I’ve also baked these at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is this good for kids?

Definitely! It’s a hit with kids and adults alike. I just adjust the toppings to match what they like.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use vegan butter and dairy-free mozzarella to make a plant-based version that’s still delicious.

Conclusion

Pizza Grilled Cheese is a quick, cheesy fix that never fails to satisfy. It’s got the nostalgic feel of grilled cheese with the bold flavor of pizza, all wrapped up in one crispy, melty bite. Whether I make it classic with mozzarella and pepperoni or load it up with veggies, this sandwich always hits the spot.