Cheesy Pizza-Style Sandwiches

Category: Family Dinner Ideas

Transform two beloved classics into one mouthwatering meal with these pizza-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches. Crusty sourdough bread gets slathered with homemade Italian garlic butter, then filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and tangy marinara sauce. The sandwiches are grilled until golden and crisp on the outside with perfectly melted cheese inside. Serve hot with extra marinara for dipping to enhance the pizza flavors. A quick, satisfying option for lunch or dinner that combines the best elements of pizza and grilled cheese in every bite.

Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sun, 12 Oct 2025 18:21:02 GMT
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. Pin
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. | zestplate.com

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich transforms two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal that brings the best of both worlds to your plate in just minutes. The gooey mozzarella melts perfectly while the pepperoni and marinara create that authentic pizza flavor between crispy garlic butter-slathered bread.

I created this recipe during a particularly chaotic Tuesday when my kids wanted pizza but I needed something quicker. These sandwiches have become our go to compromise that actually pleases everyone more than either original dish alone.

  • Sourdough bread the tangy flavor complements the pizza elements and it toasts beautifully without getting soggy
  • Mozzarella cheese use freshly shredded for best melting quality and flavor rather than pre packaged
  • Marinara sauce choose a thick variety as watery sauce can make your sandwich soggy
  • Pepperoni opt for thinly sliced that will crisp up nicely when heated
  • Butter the base for our garlic spread that elevates this from ordinary to extraordinary
  • Italian seasoning a convenient blend that adds authentic pizza flavor in one ingredient
  • Garlic powder provides even garlic distribution without burning like fresh garlic might
  • Salt enhances all other flavors and balances the richness

How To Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Make the garlic butter
Combine softened butter with Italian seasoning garlic powder and salt until completely smooth. This flavored butter is what transforms a regular grilled cheese into something special with that pizza crust flavor we all love.
Assemble the sandwiches
Spread marinara sauce in a thin even layer on one side of four bread slices. The key is not using too much sauce which could make the bread soggy. Layer half the cheese over the sauce creating a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Arrange pepperoni in an overlapping pattern then add remaining cheese on top before closing with second bread slice.
Apply the garlic butter
Spread the prepared garlic butter generously on the outside of each sandwich covering from edge to edge. Make sure the butter reaches room temperature first for easiest spreading without tearing the bread.
Grill to perfection
Cook sandwiches over medium heat about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The secret is patience here letting the bread slowly turn golden while giving the cheese time to melt completely. Press down gently with a spatula occasionally to ensure even browning and help the cheese melt through all layers.
Serve immediately
Cut diagonally and serve while hot when the cheese pull is at its most impressive. For the full pizza experience offer extra warmed marinara on the side for dipping.

My absolute favorite part of this sandwich is how the edges of the pepperoni curl and crisp up inside creating these little pockets of savory goodness. My daughter initially refused to try it claiming she was a grilled cheese purist but now requests this version specifically for her weekend lunches.

Cheese Selection Guide

The mozzarella provides that classic pizza stretch but experimenting with cheese blends can take this sandwich to new heights. A combination of mozzarella with a sharp provolone adds complexity while maintaining meltability. For those who enjoy a more gourmet approach try adding a small amount of parmesan between the mozzarella layers for a umami boost without sacrificing texture.

Topping Variations

While pepperoni creates that classic pizza experience other toppings work beautifully in this format. Consider sautéed mushrooms caramelized onions cooked Italian sausage or thinly sliced bell peppers. The key is ensuring any vegetable toppings are precooked to remove excess moisture that might make your sandwich soggy. For vegetarian options roasted red peppers and olives provide that savory depth that makes pizza so satisfying.

Making It Ahead

The garlic butter can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For busy weeknights you can assemble the sandwiches in the morning then wrap individually in parchment paper and refrigerate. When ready to cook simply unwrap and grill as directed adding perhaps an extra minute per side if cooking from cold. This preparation method works particularly well for school lunches that need to be quickly finished at mealtime.

A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni.
A stack of grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. | zestplate.com
A grilled cheese sandwich with pepperoni on top.
A grilled cheese sandwich with pepperoni on top. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for pizza grilled cheese sandwiches?

Sourdough or thick white bread work best as they provide sturdy structure to hold all the fillings and develop a nice crispy exterior when grilled. The slight tanginess of sourdough complements the marinara and cheese flavors particularly well.

→ Can I add other pizza toppings to these sandwiches?

Absolutely! You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings like cooked Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, or red onions. Just ensure any raw vegetables are pre-cooked slightly to remove excess moisture and that all additions are thinly sliced so the sandwich grills evenly.

→ How can I prevent the marinara sauce from making my sandwich soggy?

Use a thin layer of sauce and spread it evenly across the bread. Allow the sauce to sit for about a minute so the bread slightly absorbs it before adding cheese. The cheese layers on both sides of the pepperoni also help create barriers that prevent the sauce from soaking through the bread.

→ What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?

While mozzarella provides that authentic pizza stretch, you can blend it with other cheeses like provolone for more flavor, monterey jack for better melting, or add a sprinkle of parmesan for sharpness. For a more gourmet version, try using fresh mozzarella (patted dry) with some low-moisture mozzarella.

→ Can these sandwiches be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches and prepare the garlic butter mix ahead of time, but for best results, grill them just before serving. If needed, assemble completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours. Allow them to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.

→ What sides pair well with pizza grilled cheese sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette, tomato soup for dipping, garlic parmesan fries, or a small portion of marinara-dressed pasta. For a lighter option, serve with vegetable crudités or a pickle spear to cut through the richness.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Golden sourdough sandwiches with melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara, grilled with homemade Italian garlic butter.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
8 min
Total Duration
18 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Output: 4 Servings (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Garlic Butter

01 60 g unsalted butter, softened
02 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
03 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
04 0.25 teaspoon salt

→ Sandwich Assembly

05 8 slices sourdough bread or thick white bread
06 180 g shredded mozzarella cheese
07 120 ml marinara or pizza sauce
08 24-30 slices pepperoni
09 Extra butter for grilling (optional)

Directions

Step 01

In a small bowl, blend softened butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Step 02

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over one side of half the bread slices. Top each with half of the mozzarella, arranging evenly. Layer pepperoni slices over the cheese, then cover with remaining mozzarella. Place the remaining bread slices on top to close the sandwiches.

Step 03

Generously spread the prepared garlic butter on the outer sides of all sandwiches.

Step 04

Set a non stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until golden and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted thoroughly.

Step 05

Slice sandwiches and serve hot. For additional flavor, accompany with extra marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

  1. These sandwiches combine the flavors of pizza with the comfort of grilled cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.

Required Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese)
  • Contains gluten (bread)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Protein: 22 g