Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The pizza grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—gooey grilled cheese and saucy, cheesy pizza. Loaded with melty mozzarella, zesty marinara sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, all tucked between golden-brown buttery bread slices, this sandwich is a cheesy, crispy, and crave-worthy treat perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a flavor-packed snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich is everything you love about pizza in an easy, handheld form. It’s fast, fun, and totally customizable. You don’t need to roll out dough or wait for the oven—just layer, grill, and enjoy. It’s kid-approved, picky-eater friendly, and great for quick meals on busy days. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover pizza toppings!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread slices (Italian, sourdough, or white)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Marinara or pizza sauce
Butter or margarine (for grilling)
Pepperoni slices or other pizza toppings (optional)
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Spread pizza sauce on one side of each bread slice.
Layer one slice with shredded mozzarella and desired toppings like pepperoni or veggies.
Sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Top with the second bread slice, sauce side down.
Butter the outsides of the sandwich.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Slice and serve warm with extra marinara on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 minutes
Total time: 11 minutes

Variations

Meat Lover’s: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham for extra protein.
Veggie Style: Use sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives.
Extra Cheesy: Add provolone, cheddar, or parmesan along with mozzarella.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling.
Garlic Bread Base: Rub garlic on the bread or use garlic butter for more flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage: Allow sandwiches to cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best for pizza grilled cheese?

Sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or thick-sliced white works best. Avoid overly soft bread that may become soggy.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works fine, but freshly grated melts more evenly.

Is there a vegan version of this sandwich?

Absolutely—use plant-based cheese and vegan pepperoni or veggie toppings, along with dairy-free butter.

Can I make this sandwich in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the assembled sandwich at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use leftover pizza toppings?

Yes, this is a great way to use up leftover toppings like cooked veggies or meats.

What sauce is best for this sandwich?

Classic marinara or pizza sauce works best, but you can also try garlic butter or pesto for a twist.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep the sandwich and refrigerate it uncooked. Grill it fresh when ready for the best texture.

What sides go well with pizza grilled cheese?

Tomato soup, a simple green salad, or fries pair well with this sandwich.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Use a light hand with the sauce and grill on medium heat to ensure crispy bread.

Can I freeze this sandwich?

Freezing is not ideal due to the sauce and cheese texture, but you can prep and freeze the filling separately.

Conclusion

The pizza grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious mashup of two classic favorites, giving you all the bold flavors of pizza with the satisfying crunch of a grilled cheese. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or indulging in a cozy dinner, this sandwich hits the spot every time. With endless customization options, it’s bound to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.