Name: Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices sturdy bread (like sourdough); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 24 slices pepperoni (optional, or to taste)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches bring together two of my all-time favorite comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese. With crispy garlic-buttered bread and a melty, savory filling of mozzarella, pizza sauce, and pepperoni, this sandwich is the perfect quick meal that satisfies both cheesy and saucy cravings.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying this recipe is—it delivers full pizza flavor in handheld form. The buttery, crunchy bread combined with melty cheese and tangy sauce makes every bite indulgent. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or even a game-day snack. Plus, I don’t need an oven—just a skillet and a few minutes.

Ingredients

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

8 slices sturdy bread (like sourdough)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pizza sauce
24 slices pepperoni (optional, or to taste)

Directions

I start by mixing the softened butter with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
Then I spread this garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
On the unbuttered side of four slices, I layer mozzarella cheese, a spoonful of pizza sauce, and pepperoni slices.
I top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
I slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 sandwiches. Each sandwich serves one person.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes skip the pepperoni and use sautéed mushrooms or olives for a vegetarian version.
When I want more heat, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside.
I’ve also tried this with provolone or cheddar for a twist on the flavor.
For extra crispiness, I sprinkle more Parmesan on the outside of the bread before grilling.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or toaster oven so the bread stays crispy. I avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread soggy.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

I prefer sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta because they hold up well to grilling and keep the filling intact.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I can prep the sandwiches ahead and store them in the fridge before cooking. Then, I just grill them fresh when ready to eat.

Can I freeze the sandwiches?

I don’t recommend freezing after grilling, but I can freeze assembled, uncooked sandwiches wrapped tightly. Just thaw and grill when needed.

What cheese can I use besides mozzarella?

I’ve had great results using provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Anything that melts well works here.

Is it okay to use jarred pizza sauce?

Yes, I usually use my favorite jarred pizza sauce for convenience. It makes the process quicker and still tastes great.

Conclusion

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something cheesy, warm, and satisfying without much fuss. They come together fast, pack a ton of flavor, and are endlessly customizable to whatever I have in the fridge.