Imagine a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, but with a pizza twist! It’s packed with melted cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings, all between buttery, toasted bread.
I love how easy it is to whip this up for a quick lunch or snack. Plus, if you have kids, they’ll think you’re the coolest for making pizza sandwiches! 🍕🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you like, but I recommend sourdough or ciabatta for a crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread or even polenta slices!
Butter: Butter is great for flavor, but you could substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free butter for a healthier option. It still gives you a nice crispness!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic for pizza sandwiches. If you prefer a sharper taste, mix it up with some cheddar or provolone. Vegan cheese can also work if you need a dairy-free option.
Pepperoni: Instead of pepperoni, you can use cooked sausage, turkey slices, or veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a healthier twist.
Pizza Sauce: Feel free to swap the pizza sauce for marinara or even pesto, depending on your taste. It can make a big difference in flavor!
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crisp and Cheesy Grilled Cheese?
Achieving that golden-brown, crispy crust while keeping the cheese melty inside can be a challenge. Here are my tips:
- Spread the butter evenly on the outside of the bread. Don’t skip this step, as it’s key for a golden crust!
- Keep your skillet on medium heat. If it’s too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Flip gently with a spatula to avoid spilling the fillings.
- If you’re worried about the cheese melting, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute. This helps trap the heat!
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Pizza Grilled Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll spend around 20-25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Bread:
Start by spreading 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will give your grilled cheese a nice golden brown crust when cooked!
2. Assemble the Sandwich:
Now it’s time to put your sandwiches together! On the non-buttered side of two of the slices, spread a layer of pizza sauce. Then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Add the sliced pepperoni on the cheese and feel free to throw in any extra toppings you love, like bell peppers or onions. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of everything, then place the other two slices of bread (with the buttered sides facing out) on top to create two tasty sandwiches.
3. Cook the Sandwiches:
Heat up a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook them until they’re golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The butter will help them achieve that crispy crunch!
4. Flip the Sandwiches:
Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwiches over. Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, which will take another 3-4 minutes. You’ll smell the deliciousness as they cook!
5. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice them in half for easy dipping and serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this cheesy, pizza-flavored delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for a gooey texture, you can mix in or substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. Just make sure to maintain a total of about 1 cup of cheese for the best melt!
What Bread Works Best for Pizza Grilled Cheese?
You can use any bread you like! White and whole wheat bread are common choices, but for a gourmet touch, try sourdough, ciabatta, or even garlic bread for extra flavor. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through, helping to keep the bread crispy.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even fresh basil for a twist. Just be mindful not to overload the sandwich, as that can make it difficult to cook evenly!
