Pizza Grilled Cheese

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Sides.

This pizza-inspired grilled cheese combines layers of mozzarella and pepperoni between garlic-Parmesan buttered bread. Served with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:58:13 GMT
A gooey, layered grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheese and pepperoni, served on a wooden board. Pin it
A gooey, layered grilled cheese sandwich filled with melted cheese and pepperoni, served on a wooden board. | zestplate.com

Craving something that combines two comfort classics? Check out this pizza grilled cheese! I whipped this up one evening when torn between pizza or grilled cheese and boy was it a hit. Imagine buttery toasted bread packed with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni and all your top pizza flavors. It's become such a family favorite that my kids now beg for this instead of traditional pizza!

What Makes This Special

You'll have this ready in just a few minutes when hunger strikes! Add any pizza toppings you fancy and watch as even your fussiest eaters dive right in. It's basically what happens when two beloved comfort dishes come together in one amazing sandwich!

Gather Your Supplies

  • Butter: Gets your bread perfectly golden and crunchy.
  • Quality Cheese: Grab mozzarella for stretch and some Parmesan.
  • Pizza Goodies: Think pepperoni, dried herbs, and tomato sauce.
  • Solid Bread: Choose something that won't fall apart!
  • Flavor Boosters: A bit of garlic powder and Italian herbs will take it up a notch.

How To Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Amp Up Your Butter
Combine soft butter with Parmesan, garlic powder and Italian herbs. This little mix makes all the difference!
Stack Your Creation
Slather that seasoned butter on your bread. Add a layer of mozzarella, some pepperoni, then more cheese because you deserve it!
Start Cooking
Use medium-low heat so the cheese melts before your bread gets too dark. Push down gently with a spatula to help everything bond together.
Turn It Over
Once the bottom turns golden, flip it carefully. The second side usually cooks quicker, so keep an eye on it!
Dig In
Slice it down the middle and marvel at that stretchy cheese! Pair with warm pizza sauce for dipping and enjoy the magic!

Tips For Success

Take your time cooking this sandwich - slower heat works better. Want something extra crispy? Throw some Parmesan directly onto the buttered outside. If you're using fresh mozzarella, make sure to dry it off or you'll end up with a soggy mess. And don't forget extra dipping sauce - it's a must!

A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. | zestplate.com

Pairing Suggestions

This sandwich tastes best piping hot when you can really enjoy that amazing cheese stretch! Got some left? Warm them back up in a skillet, not your microwave, to keep the crunch. Need to round out your meal? Toss together a small salad on the side to balance out the richness.

Tasty Variations

Drop in some baby spinach to fancy it up and sneak in some greens! Cook everything at a gentle pace just like Bobby Flay always recommends. And remember to shred your cheese yourself rather than buying pre-shredded - Ina's right that it really does melt so much better!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use softened butter?

Ensures even spreading and better browning of bread when grilled.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Mozzarella provides best pizza flavor but other melting cheeses work.

→ Why cook on medium-low?

Allows cheese to melt fully without burning bread exterior.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Yes, try mushrooms, peppers or other pizza toppings.

→ Why triple layer the cheese?

Creates optimal melting and helps hold pepperoni in place.

Pizza Grilled Cheese

A decadent grilled cheese sandwich featuring triple layers of mozzarella, pepperoni and seasoned garlic butter spread.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
05 8 slices white bread.
06 12 slices mozzarella cheese.
07 6 ounces pepperoni.
08 Pizza sauce for dipping.

Instructions

Step 01

Thoroughly combine softened butter with grated Parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning in medium bowl until completely smooth.

Step 02

Carefully spread seasoned butter mixture evenly across one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to edges.

Step 03

Arrange buttered bread slices in single layer on sheet tray with buttered sides facing upward.

Step 04

Heat large skillet over medium-low heat until warm but not hot to prevent burning butter.

Step 05

Place first bread slice in skillet butter-side down, ensuring even contact with pan surface.

Step 06

Layer first slice of mozzarella cheese evenly over bread in skillet.

Step 07

Arrange six pepperoni slices evenly across first cheese layer.

Step 08

Add second slice of mozzarella cheese over pepperoni layer.

Step 09

Place remaining six pepperoni slices evenly over second cheese layer.

Step 10

Top with final slice of mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage.

Step 11

Place second bread slice on top with butter side facing upward.

Step 12

Cook 3-5 minutes until bottom bread achieves golden brown color.

Step 13

Carefully flip entire sandwich using spatula, maintaining cheese layers.

Step 14

Cook additional 3-5 minutes until second side browns and cheese melts completely.

Step 15

Serve immediately with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. Triple cheese layers.
  2. Pizza flavors.
  3. Quick preparation.
  4. Perfect comfort food.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Sheet tray.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese).
  • Wheat (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 24 g