This Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic sandwich! With gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, it brings the best of both worlds to your plate.
I love how easy it is to make! Just butter the bread, add your toppings, and grill it to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Choose your favorite type! White is classic, but I love sourdough for its tangy flavor. Whole wheat adds a nice nutty taste, too. If gluten-free is needed, gluten-free bread works well as a substitute.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is delicious, but pre-sliced mozzarella makes it easier. For a different flavor, try provolone or pepper jack for a little kick.
Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni is great, but you can use turkey or chicken pepperoni for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, swap in mushrooms or slices of bell pepper.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient. If you have marinara sauce, that works too! You can also make a quick homemade version with canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs if you’re feeling adventurous.
Butter: Softened butter helps achieve that crispy crust. If you want to lighten it up, use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Grilled Cheese?
The key to a crispy grilled cheese is to use low to medium heat. This allows the bread to get golden brown while the cheese melts without burning. Follow these steps for success:
- Spread the butter evenly, and consider mixing in garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cook on medium heat so you don’t rush the browning; patience pays off!
- Use a lid if you want the cheese to melt faster, without needing to flip too soon.
And remember, let it cool slightly before slicing; this helps the cheese stay gooey! Enjoy your creation with that extra pizza sauce—it’s a fun dip that takes this to the next level.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice: white, wheat, sourdough)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices of pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
Optional Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pizza Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be enjoying this cheesy, gooey sandwich in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Your Skillet:
Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. This will give your sandwich that perfect crispy outside while keeping the cheese wonderfully melty inside.
2. Butter Your Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you want to add more flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the butter before spreading. This gives your sandwich a tasty Italian twist!
3. Assemble the First Layer:
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, onto the heated skillet. On each of these slices, layer 2 slices of mozzarella cheese followed by 4 slices of pepperoni. Now it’s starting to look delicious!
4. Add the Pizza Sauce:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce over the pepperoni on each slice. This will add that classic pizza flavor to your grilled cheese!
5. Complete the Sandwich:
Top each with another 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, then place another slice of bread on top, buttered side up. It’s time to seal in all that goodness!
6. Cook the Sandwiches:
Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until it’s golden and crispy. You want both sides to be perfectly toasted.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a minute before slicing. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Pizza Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic pizza flavor, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will melt at different rates, so adjust your cooking time slightly if needed!
What Bread Works Best for Pizza Grilled Cheese?
You can use any bread you like! Sourdough adds a nice tang, while white or wheat bread keeps it classic. For a heartier twist, try using ciabatta or focaccia, but be mindful that thicker breads may require a bit more cooking time to ensure the cheese melts properly.
How to Store Leftover Pizza Grilled Cheese?
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, or use a microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni! Consider adding some veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor. You could also throw in some spinach or arugula for a fresh touch!
