Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the best of two beloved comfort foods, all wrapped into one melty, crispy bite. I take the golden crust of a classic grilled cheese and stuff it with mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce for a sandwich that’s quick, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether I need a fast dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, this mashup never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. With just a few pantry staples, I can whip up a warm, gooey sandwich in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those days when I want pizza but don’t have time for dough—or when I want grilled cheese with a little extra flair. Plus, the endless customization options make it easy to keep things fresh every time I make it.

Ingredients

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

• 8 slices sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture preferred)
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara (plus more for dipping)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped bell peppers
• ¼ cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or garlic powder

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients
   I lay out all 8 bread slices and butter one side of each. These buttered sides will be the outsides. Then I flip them so the unbuttered sides face up.
2. Build the Sandwiches
   On 4 slices (unbuttered side up), I spread a thin layer of pizza sauce. I sprinkle about ¼ cup of mozzarella over the sauce, then layer on the pepperoni. If I’m adding extras like olives or mushrooms, I include them here. I might also add a pinch of Italian seasoning for more flavor. I top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
3. Cook the Sandwiches
   I heat a nonstick skillet over medium. I place the sandwiches in the skillet (1 or 2 at a time) and press down lightly with a spatula. I cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
4. Serve
   After cooking, I let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing. Then I cut them in halves or triangles and serve them with warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

When I want to mix things up, here are a few fun ways I tweak this recipe:

• Veggie Supreme: I swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions, and peppers.
• Meat Lover’s: I add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham along with the pepperoni.
• Hawaiian Style: I use chopped ham and pineapple chunks.
• Spicy Buffalo: I replace the pizza sauce with buffalo sauce and use cooked chicken and blue cheese crumbles.
• Breakfast Version: I add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and use cheddar cheese with a thin layer of marinara.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I let the sandwiches cool completely, then wrap them in foil or keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

For reheating, I use a skillet or toaster oven for 4–5 minutes to keep the crust crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but I wrap the sandwich in a paper towel and heat for 30–40 seconds to reduce sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook them in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, I reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.

What’s the best bread to use?

I prefer thick-cut white or sourdough bread for a sturdy base that holds up well to the fillings and crisps beautifully.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mozzarella-provolone blend all work great for different flavor profiles.

How do I avoid a soggy sandwich?

I keep the sauce layer thin and don’t overload the fillings. I also let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking so it firms up before slicing.

Is this freezer-friendly?

While best fresh, I’ve wrapped cooled sandwiches in foil and frozen them. I reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes straight from the freezer.

Conclusion

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are everything I want in comfort food: crispy, melty, cheesy, and fast. They bring together the best parts of pizza and grilled cheese into a single, crave-worthy bite. Whether I’m cooking for myself, feeding kids, or serving them at a party, these sandwiches are always a hit—and always gone in minutes.

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