Pizza Grilled Cheese brings together two of our favorite comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches. Imagine hot, melty cheese, crispy bread, and the delicious taste of pizza all in one bite. It can remind you of cozy nights at home, sharing laughter with family or friends. Many people love this recipe because it’s not only tasty but also really simple to make. It’s a dish that brings joy to both big gatherings and quiet evenings. If you’re looking for something yummy and satisfying, Pizza Grilled Cheese is worth trying!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is special for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few simple items, you can create a dish that will thrill your taste buds and warm your heart.

The ingredients are mostly staples found in many kitchens. It’s a great way to use up leftover cheese or pepperoni, making it a practical choice for busy families. The fun part? You can customize it to match your taste! Whether you want more toppings or think differently, the possibilities are endless.

Making Pizza Grilled Cheese can also be a fun activity to do with kids. They can help with spreading butter or choosing their favorite toppings. Worst case, you might have goopy hands, but laughter and smiles will fill your kitchen. This meal can light up a weekday dinner or serve as the perfect late-night snack.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Making Pizza Grilled Cheese is a delightful experience. First, you mix some melted butter with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan. The smell of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, making everyone excited for what’s to come. As you spread this mixture onto the bread, the creamy texture feels satisfying against your fingertips.

After that, you layer thick slices of gooey mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni in the warm skillet. The cheese starts to melt, creating a stringy goodness that everyone loves. Flipping the sandwich reveals a golden-brown crust that’s hard to resist. Finally, as you cut into the sandwich, the cheese oozes out, and you can’t wait to take a bite. Serving it hot means you get the full taste and texture, making it an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft: This butter helps create a golden, crispy crust. If you want a lighter version, you can replace it with olive oil.
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor that takes the sandwich up a notch. You can use any hard cheese if you don’t have parmesan handy.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a lovely garlic taste. If you prefer fresh garlic, feel free to add it instead!
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: This mix brings in herbs like oregano and basil. Using fresh herbs can enhance the flavor as well.
8 slices white bread: The bread provides a soft base for your sandwich. Whole wheat or sourdough can be great alternatives, too.
12 slices mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and is an essential ingredient for that gooey texture. You can switch it for cheddar or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
6 ounces pepperoni: Adds spicy, meaty flavor. You can leave this out or use veggie pepperoni for a meat-free option.

Directions:

Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until it’s smooth. This flavorful butter will give your bread a tasty punch!
Prepare the Bread: Take your slices of bread. Spread a generous layer of the butter mixture on one side of each slice. Make sure to cover it all the way to the edges.
Assemble the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the skillet.
Add Cheese and Toppings: On top of the bread, layer 4 slices of mozzarella cheese, then add a layer of pepperoni. Place another 4 slices of mozzarella on top of the pepperoni.
Top it Off: Take another slice of bread and put it on top of the cheese, butter-side up. This will form your sandwich.
Cook Until Golden: Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it! When the bottom is golden and crispy, carefully flip it over with a spatula.
Finish Cooking: Cook the other side until it’s also golden brown. After about 3 to 4 more minutes, the cheese should be melty and warm.
Slice and Serve: Take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute, then slice it in half. Serve it hot for the best taste!

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza Grilled Cheese is not just a stand-alone meal; it can be enjoyed in many lovely ways! For a complete dinner, you might serve it with a bowl of warm tomato soup, which makes a classic combination. The creamy soup perfectly matches the crispiness of the grilled cheese.

If you’re thinking about drinks, a chilled lemonade or an iced tea makes for a refreshing pair. You can also set it out as part of a fun game night spread, encouraging everyone to create their own versions with different toppings.

When it’s chilly outside, Pizza Grilled Cheese makes a fantastic comfort food. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a fun weekend brunch treat. Kids love it, and adults will too!

How to Store Pizza Grilled Cheese

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is sometimes hard to imagine!), storing them is a breeze. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To do this, allow the sandwiches to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.

If you want to store them longer, try freezing them. Slice them before freezing for easy reheating later. Wrap each half individually in plastic wrap or foil. They can last in the freezer for about a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat.

To reheat your Pizza Grilled Cheese, place it in a skillet on medium heat for several minutes on each side until it’s warm and crispy again. Be patient and keep your eye on it to avoid burning.

Tips to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese

Here are a few simple tips for the best Pizza Grilled Cheese:

Use Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is very soft. It should spread easily on the bread for the perfect golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making multiple sandwiches, cook one or two at a time. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
Keep the Heat Medium: Cooking at medium heat gives the cheese enough time to melt while keeping the bread from burning.
Let Cool Before Slicing: Cutting too soon can make the cheese ooze out. Let it set for a minute to help it hold together better.
Experiment with Ingredients: Think about swapping out the cheese or the toppings. Make it your own!

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to change up your Pizza Grilled Cheese:

Veggie Delight: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the layers for some healthy fiber and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use spicy cheese for an extra bite.
Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh basil or spinach for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to enjoy this recipe without worry.
Cheesy Overload: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a hint of blue cheese for a bold twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Pizza Grilled Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just remember to keep them wrapped for freshness. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in a skillet.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat Pizza Grilled Cheese is in a skillet over medium heat. This will ensure it stays crispy on the outside while the cheese melts inside. You can also use the oven if you prefer.

Q: Can I use a different cheese or bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses and types of bread. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others.

Pizza Grilled Cheese is truly a delightful dish that can be customized to suit any palate while being easy and approachable. Enjoy making it and sharing it with loved ones!

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Author: phillip
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful fusion of pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches, offering hot, melty cheese and crispy bread in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, very soft
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
8 slices white bread
12 slices mozzarella cheese
6 ounces pepperoni

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Spread a generous layer of the butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
Layer 4 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the bread, followed by a layer of pepperoni. Add another 4 slices of mozzarella on top.
Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up, to form a sandwich.
Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes until golden. Carefully flip it over with a spatula.
Cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melty, about 3 more minutes.
Remove the sandwich, let it cool for a minute, then slice it in half and serve hot.

Notes

Serve with tomato soup for a classic combination. Try different toppings to customize your sandwich!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: grilled cheese, pizza, comfort food, easy recipe, family meal