Before diving into the delicious details of a pizza grilled cheese sandwich, let’s talk about what drinks and sides complement this masterpiece. A classic pairing is a fizzy soda or a light Italian sparkling water. The bubbles contrast nicely with the hearty sandwich.
A side salad, like the Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas and fresh veggies, adds a refreshing crunch. For something extra, don’t forget spicy marinara sauce for dipping. The sweet acidity plays well with the cheesy goodness. Trust me; you’re going to want to dip.
Why This Recipe is Great for You
Let’s get right to it: pizza grilled cheese is genius. Imagine all the flavors of pizza wrapped up in a gooey cheese sandwich. Everyone loves grilled cheese, but adding pizza toppings takes it to another level.
Plus, it’s super simple to prepare and perfect for any meal. Not to mention, it brings comfort—who doesn’t need that?
I’ve played around with various grilled cheese recipes over the years. But when I merged the beloved pizza flavor profile into a grilled cheese format, it was a game-changer. Every bite feels like a hug. And the best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients for Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Let’s talk ingredients. Gathering items can feel tedious, but these are so common you probably have most of them in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For that nice crispiness when grilling.
- 4 slices of Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread: Soft and fluffy, perfect for holding your cheesy goodness.
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese: The star of the show!
- 18 slices of pepperoni: I like to microwave them a bit to remove some oil, making them crispy without making your sandwich soggy.
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh or dried parsley flakes: Adds a little color and herby freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian herb blend: Think of it as a flavor booster.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic and bread are a match made in Heaven.
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: To create that delightful garlic butter spread.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A kick of heat never hurt anyone.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll whip up a delicious pizza grilled cheese in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by making the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the three tablespoons of unsalted butter, parsley flakes, Italian herb blend, garlic powder, and salt. Mix them until smooth. This butter is going to be a game-changer when it comes to flavoring your bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a generous amount of that garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Now, flip two slices over (butter-side down) and layer on two slices of mozzarella cheese on each. Next, place a layer of pepperoni on top; pile on some grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Finally, cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Step 3: Grill Your Sandwich
Head to the stove. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Let them grill until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once perfectly golden, take them off the heat. Let them rest for a minute—trust me, melting cheese can be a hot mess if you bite into it too soon. Slice them in half, serve with marinara for dipping, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Unsalted Butter: The preferred choice for cooking, as it allows you to control salt levels.
Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread: I love this bread for its light crumb and robust structure; it crisps nicely without becoming overly dense.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture, while low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully.
Pepperoni: A classic that everyone loves. Microwaving helps reduce some grease for a crispier texture.
Garlic Powder: It gives a savory layer of flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
Parmesan Cheese: A little goes a long way! It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Red Pepper Flakes: An easy way to adjust the heat to your liking—use sparingly if you prefer less spice.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations:
- Veggie Version: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for a healthier take.
- Different Cheeses: Try provolone or gouda for a different cheese profile.
- Spicy Options: Add jalapeños or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Herbed Butter: Swap the Italian herbs for fresh basil or oregano for a summery feel.
- Sweet Twist: Drizzle a bit of honey over your pepperoni for a sweet-salty combo.
- Gluten-Free Bread: Use your favorite gluten-free option to suit your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Pizza grilled cheese is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Sunday or serving it at a party, this sandwich has a universal appeal.
The crunch, the melted cheese, and rich flavors come together for an unforgettable meal.
This dish proves that you can merge your favorites without compromising on taste. Grab those ingredients. Let’s get cooking and share the love of food with friends and family. Trust me; they’ll be asking for seconds. Enjoy!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Lobster Grilled Cheese Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Starbucks Grilled Cheese
- Best French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe – Simple Easy Meals
Before diving into the delicious details of a pizza grilled cheese sandwich, let’s talk about what drinks and sides complement this masterpiece. A classic pairing is a fizzy soda or a light Italian sparkling water. The bubbles contrast nicely with the hearty sandwich.
A side salad, like the Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas and fresh veggies, adds a refreshing crunch. For something extra, don't forget spicy marinara sauce for dipping. The sweet acidity plays well with the cheesy goodness. Trust me; you’re going to want to dip.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
-
Start by making the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the three tablespoons of unsalted butter, parsley flakes, Italian herb blend, garlic powder, and salt. Mix them until smooth. This butter is going to be a game-changer when it comes to flavoring your bread.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
-
Spread a generous amount of that garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Now, flip two slices over (butter-side down) and layer on two slices of mozzarella cheese on each. Next, place a layer of pepperoni on top; pile on some grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Finally, cover with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Step 3: Grill Your Sandwich
-
Head to the stove. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches in the skillet. Let them grill until the bread is a beautiful golden brown. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
-
Once perfectly golden, take them off the heat. Let them rest for a minute—trust me, melting cheese can be a hot mess if you bite into it too soon. Slice them in half, serve with marinara for dipping, and enjoy!
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 498kcal
- Calories from Fat 309kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34.4g53%
- Saturated Fat 18.8g94%
- Trans Fat 0.3g
- Cholesterol 79mg27%
- Sodium 746mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 24g48%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Unsalted Butter: The preferred choice for cooking, as it allows you to control salt levels.
- Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread: I love this bread for its light crumb and robust structure; it crisps nicely without becoming overly dense.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture, while low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully.
- Pepperoni: A classic that everyone loves. Microwaving helps reduce some grease for a crispier texture.
- Garlic Powder: It gives a savory layer of flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- Parmesan Cheese: A little goes a long way! It adds a depth of flavor that's hard to resist.
- Red Pepper Flakes: An easy way to adjust the heat to your liking—use sparingly if you prefer less spice.
