Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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Imagine all the gooey comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich wrapped in the bold, nostalgic flavors of your favorite slice of pizza. This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics. It’s cheesy, melty, and golden-crisp on the outside, yet bursting with marinara and mozzarella goodness on the inside.

Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich is surprisingly simple to make but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or indulging in a guilty pleasure, it satisfies every craving in just one bite. Prepare for melty, saucy bliss with every slice.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The best bread for a Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is something sturdy and crispable. Think sourdough, Texas toast, or Italian bread—these can hold up to the rich marinara and generous cheese without turning soggy. Avoid super thin sandwich slices, which can fall apart under all that cheesy, saucy weight.

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Ingredients for the Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Mozzarella Cheese: The star of any pizza-inspired dish, mozzarella brings that classic stretch and gooey melt.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds the tangy, herby pizza flavor and a layer of saucy richness.
• Pepperoni Slices (optional): For those who love a meaty twist, pepperoni brings bold, salty bites.
• Butter: Needed to create that perfectly golden and crisp crust on the outside of the sandwich.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle adds a nutty, salty kick to the crust.
• Italian Seasoning or Fresh Basil: Enhances the sandwich with those familiar pizza herbs.
• Bread: As mentioned, opt for sturdy slices that crisp well without absorbing too much moisture.

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How To Make the Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Lay out your slices of bread. Butter one side of each slice generously. On the non-buttered sides, begin building your layers.

Step 2: Layer Like a Pizza

Start with a spoonful of marinara sauce spread on the unbuttered side. Then add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. If you’re using pepperoni, layer it on now. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Close the sandwich with the buttered sides facing out. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwich and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the outside is golden and the cheese inside is fully melted.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Remove from heat and let sit for a minute. Slice it diagonally for that classic look and serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and stretchy.

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How to Serve and Store This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Serve your sandwich fresh from the skillet for the best experience. Pair it with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping, or add a side salad for some balance. It’s best eaten immediately, but if you need to store leftovers, wrap them in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat, skip the microwave—it makes the bread soggy. Instead, warm it on a skillet over medium-low heat until the outside crisps up again and the cheese melts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Use thick, hearty bread and avoid overloading with sauce. Toasting on medium heat helps evaporate excess moisture.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the pepperoni and consider adding sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie twist.

What’s the best cheese alternative to mozzarella?

Provolone or a blend of provolone and fontina works wonderfully for that melty consistency and subtle flavor.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, assemble the sandwich and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get a perfectly crispy crust.

Do I need to use butter or can I use something else?

Butter gives the sandwich its golden exterior, but mayonnaise or olive oil can be used for similar results.

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Want More Sandwich Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you’ll probably enjoy these other crave-worthy options:

• Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese with fresh basil and sun-dried tomato zing.
• Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese for a creamy-spicy indulgence.
• Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese layered with Italian herbs and sharp cheddar.
• Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with tomato, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze.
• Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese for a bold, saucy punch.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with the classic mozzarella, or mix it up with provolone? Maybe you air fried it for extra crispiness?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other sandwich smarter.

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