Name: Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 8 thick slices sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce; 24 thin slices pepperoni

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate mashup of comfort food classics, Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the answer to your snack-time dreams. This recipe delivers all the gooey, cheesy magic of grilled cheese melded with the bold, savory flavors of your favorite pizza, sandwiched between crisp, buttery bread. With each bite, you’ll get stretchy mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, a swipe of tangy marinara, and that signature garlic-parmesan crunch. Whether you need a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a kid-friendly dinner, these sandwiches are guaranteed to become a new staple.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple but game-changing ingredients to create the magic behind Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Each element is essential, from sturdy bread for crunch to classic mozzarella for melt factor, and a quick garlic butter that lifts everything to pizzeria-worthy heights.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates the golden, crisp exterior every grilled cheese needs. Unsalted lets you control seasoning.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the butter, this adds nutty, savory depth and an irresistibly crisp crust.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a whiff of oregano, basil, and other classic pizzeria herbs.
Garlic Powder: For all the garlicky aroma with no chopping needed.
Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t skip it!
Sturdy Bread (like sourdough or Italian): Thick slices stand up to all the melty cheese and saucy filling.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The stretchier, the better—this is what gives you that iconic pull.
Pizza Sauce or Marinara: Provides a tangy, tomato-rich base layer that keeps every bite juicy and flavorful.
Pepperoni Slices: Adds savory, spicy hits—feel free to swap for your favorite pizza toppings.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter

Start by mixing up your seasoned garlic butter. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly distributed—the parmesan and herbs should look beautifully speckled throughout. This step sets the foundation for the crisp, intensely flavorful crust that sets Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches apart.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce (or your favorite marinara) onto four slices of bread. This helps anchor the toppings and provides that classic pizza tang. Next, pile on the shredded mozzarella—the more, the better for ultimate cheese pull appeal! Top each with six slices of pepperoni, spacing them out to cover the bread. Cap with another slice of bread to complete your sandwiches.

Step 3: Slather on the Garlic Butter

Lay out your sandwiches and generously spread the garlic butter over the outer sides of each one. Make sure you cover all the way to the edges; this creates that golden, savory crust and infuses every bite with flavor. Don’t be shy—a thick layer is the secret to grilled cheese bliss.

Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches buttered-side down. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently as they cook. The goal is deep, golden crunch on the outside, with the cheese fully melted and gooey inside. If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat to give the cheese more time to melt.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer your hot sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half to reveal the molten, stretchy cheese. Serve right away, with extra warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Each bite will be full of classic pizza flavors folded into the easiest, most satisfying grilled cheese you’ve ever had.

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Garnishes

Sprinkle each sandwich with extra grated parmesan, some finely chopped fresh basil or parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and zing. A light dusting of Italian seasoning right before serving makes everything pop. Fresh garnishes add a little restaurant magic to these homestyle sandwiches.

Side Dishes

These Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches pair perfectly with simple sides—a crisp green salad, classic Caesar, or roasted veggies balance out all that savory richness. For a true comfort-food feast, serve with curly fries or warmed tomato soup for extra dipping action. Even a handful of potato chips on the plate brings that retro-lunch vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting sandwiches into strips for dippable “pizza sticks,” or use cookie cutters for fun, kid-friendly shapes. Stack mini sandwiches on a platter for party-friendly sliders that disappear fast. For a grown-up twist, serve open-faced with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or top with arugula tossed in lemon and olive oil for a bit of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, let your Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or cling wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The bread may soften slightly, but the flavors get even richer over time.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cooked, fully cooled sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, pop them in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F on a baking sheet until hot and bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature crunch!

FAQs

Can I use any bread for Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches?

You’ll get the best results with sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough or hearty Italian. Softer breads might get soggy with all the delicious filling, so try to use something robust for optimal crunch and structure.

What are some tasty topping swaps besides pepperoni?

Feel free to get creative! You can swap pepperoni for thin-sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage. Just make sure toppings are cooked and sliced thin so they meld with the cheese while grilling.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese that’s made for melting, and use a plant-based butter for the garlic spread. The results are still wonderfully gooey and flavorful.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic butter can be mixed up a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Let it soften before spreading so it goes on smoothly and gives maximum coverage and flavor to your Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

How do I keep my sandwiches crisp if serving later?

For maximum crunch, try reheating them in a skillet or toaster oven rather than the microwave, and serve right after warming. A wire rack can help keep the bread from steaming and getting soggy before serving.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—everything you need to make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches a star in your kitchen. They’re fast, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. I can’t wait for you to try this fun twist on two iconic comfort foods, and I have a feeling you’ll be craving them again in no time!