This Easy Pizza Grilled Cheese mixes two favorites into one yummy sandwich! With gooey cheese, tasty pepperoni, and a hint of pizza sauce, it’s sure to please everyone.
You’ll love how quick this is to whip up! I sneak some extra cheese inside when no one is watching, just for fun. Who doesn’t want more cheese, right? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Any sandwich bread works, but I love using sourdough for its texture and taste. If gluten-free, select a gluten-free loaf that holds together well during grilling.
Pizza Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara works too! You can even use jarred spaghetti sauce or homemade if you have any on hand.
Cheese: Mozzarella is perfect due to its meltiness. You could blend it with provolone or a bit of cheddar for a change. Just keep the cheese stretchy!
Pepperoni: Don’t like pepperoni? Try cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a mix. Chickpeas or olives can also add a nice twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Grilled Cheese Texture?
Achieving that crispy, golden-brown grilled cheese is an art! Here are some tips:
- Use softened butter on the bread instead of oil. It provides great flavor and helps with browning.
- Cook on medium heat. Too high, and you’ll burn the bread before the cheese melts!
- Cover the skillet while cooking to help melt the cheese evenly.
- Don’t rush! Give it about 3-4 minutes per side and flip gently to avoid those cheesy spills.
Easy Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe for a Cheesy Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of sandwich bread (white or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-16 slices of pepperoni
- Optional: Italian seasoning or dried oregano for extra flavor
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling inside the sandwich
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes for cooking. So, in about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious and cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwich!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. This sets the stage for a perfectly crispy sandwich!
2. Butter the Bread:
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This helps create that golden brown crust we all love!
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet. Then, take about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce and spread it on the unbuttered side of each slice in the skillet.
4. Add Cheese and Pepperoni:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza sauce. Next, layer on the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Yum!
5. Spice It Up (Optional):
If you want, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano and a bit of Parmesan cheese over the pepperoni. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
6. Top It Off:
Now, take your remaining slices of bread and place them on top, butter side up. This will be the other side of your sandwich.
7. Cook It Up:
Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese starts to melt. This will usually take about 3-4 minutes per side. When ready, carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula to avoid spills!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve hot. They’re delightful with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!
Enjoy your gooey, cheesy pizza grilled cheese sandwich! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltiness, you could mix it with cheddar, provolone, or even fontina for a gourmet twist. Just be mindful of the balance to keep that gooey texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Simply skip the pepperoni and add some delicious veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can even use a plant-based meat substitute if you’d like to keep that savory flavor!
Can I Make This Grilled Cheese in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the assembled sandwiches for about 5-6 minutes on each side, checking for that golden brown color. It’s a quick alternative with less oil!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the skillet or in the air fryer for a few minutes, ensuring they’re warmed through and crispy again!
