Name: Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices of bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat); 2 tbsp butter (softened); ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred topping); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

I can’t tell you how many times this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe has saved me on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend afternoon. It’s like the best of both worlds: all the comforting melty cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese with the zesty, comforting flavors of pizza packed right inside. Plus, it comes together super fast — only about 10 minutes total — which is perfect when you want something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What really makes this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe stand out for me is that little extra touch of seasoning on the bread and the option to add fresh basil right at the end. It gives it this authentic pizza vibe that feels a bit gourmet but still totally approachable. I think you’ll love how versatile it is, too — it’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack while watching your favorite show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect balance between crispy, gooey, and savory. When shopping, I always grab good quality bread and fresh mozzarella if possible to make this sandwich truly shine.

Bread: I like sourdough for its tang and texture, but white or whole wheat works great too.
Butter: Softened butter spreads easily and helps the bread toast up golden and crispy.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Pick your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have the time.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This is the melty star of the sandwich, so try not to skimp here.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
Turkey pepperoni: I choose turkey pepperoni for a leaner option, but classic beef pepperoni or other toppings work as well.
Garlic powder: Sprinkled on the buttered bread for an extra hit of flavor.
Italian seasoning: Blends oregano, basil, and other herbs to mimic pizza dough seasoning.
Fresh basil (optional): This fresh herb adds brightness and makes your sandwich look and taste next-level.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize, so feel free to get creative!

Vegetarian variation: Skip the pepperoni and load up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives — I’ve done this and never missed the meat.
Spicy kick: Add a few crushed red pepper flakes or swap regular pepperoni for spicy sausage slices to wake up your taste buds.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread and make sure your sauce and toppings are GF-friendly.
Extra cheesy: Double up on the mozzarella or add some provolone for a richer, cheesier melt.

How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread for Maximum Flavor

Start by spreading a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Then sprinkle just a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the buttered sides — this gives the bread a subtle pizza dough essence when it toasts. Trust me, this step makes a world of difference!

Step 2: Build Your Pizza Grilled Cheese

Lay two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Slather on the marinara or pizza sauce generously but not so much that the bread gets soggy. Next, pile on shredded mozzarella, sprinkle Parmesan, and layer your turkey pepperoni slices evenly. If you want extra basil now, go ahead and add it here. Top sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, ready for toasting.

Step 3: Toast to Perfection

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-low heat — the key here is to toast slowly so the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread. Place your sandwiches in the pan and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese is ooey-gooey. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust if the bread browns too quickly.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Fresh Basil

Once out of the pan, give the sandwich a minute or two to settle so the cheese isn’t lava-hot, then slice it in half. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for bright flavor and a burst of color. I always like serving mine with an extra ramekin of marinara sauce on the side for dipping — it makes every bite feel indulgent.

How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

The image shows a grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked, with two golden brown toasted bread slices on each half. Inside the sandwich, there are bright red pepperoni slices on one side and melted white cheese oozing out from between the bread. The bread has a crispy, browned texture on the outside. The sandwich rests on a white paper on top of a light wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. In the background, there is a fresh green leafy bunch and a glass bowl with red sauce, along with some loose pepperoni slices scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a simple gal when it comes to garnishes — fresh chopped basil is my go-to because it adds a lovely herbal pop and freshness that contrasts so nicely with the melted cheese. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or even a bowl of soup like tomato basil or minestrone. For an extra fun comfort meal, I like serving it alongside some crunchy garlic fries or seasoned potato chips for a satisfying crunch contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or to impress guests, I’ve cut these pizza grilled cheese sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters, like stars or hearts. You can also layer a stack on a platter with little bowls of different dipping sauces — think spicy arrabbiata, ranch, or even pesto — to turn it into a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, the key is reheating gently so the bread doesn’t get too tough or the cheese turn rubbery.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sandwiches before by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and then foil, placing them in a freezer bag. When you want a quick meal later, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Freezing works surprisingly well if you don’t mind the bread being a little less crisp after reheating.

Reheating

I find reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat works best to revive that crispy exterior while melting the cheese back to creamy perfection. You can also reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bread from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that stretchy melt, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a bit of fontina for complexity. Just make sure you balance melting qualities to keep the sandwich gooey and delicious.
What bread is best for this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?

Sourdough is my favorite because of its sturdy crust and tang, but white or whole wheat sandwich bread works great too. Just avoid very thin or crumbly breads that might fall apart when you’re flipping the sandwich.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, use veggies or plant-based meat alternatives instead of pepperoni. For vegan, swap the cheese for a good vegan mozzarella and use a dairy-free butter spread. Keep in mind the cooking times stay about the same.
How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Spread the sauce evenly but don’t overload it — too much moisture can make the bread soggy. Also, toasting slowly over medium-low heat helps evaporate any excess moisture and keeps the bread crisp.
Can I add other pizza toppings to the Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, even cooked sausage or bacon work wonderfully. Just be sure any added toppings are pre-cooked if needed and not too watery to keep the sandwich structure intact.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe will become your new go-to when you want something quick, comforting, and just a little bit special. It’s the kind of recipe I find myself craving because it hits all the right flavor notes without any fuss. Trust me, once you make it a couple of times, you’ll start dreaming up your own favorite tweaks and combos. So go ahead, grab your bread and cheese, and let this sandwich bring a little pizza party right into your kitchen — you won’t regret it!