Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

If you’re craving the cheesy, saucy flavors of pizza but want the comforting crisp of a grilled cheese sandwich, this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches recipe is the perfect match! It combines gooey melted cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings between golden, buttery bread. It’s a fun twist on two classic favorites—ideal for lunch, dinner, or a savory snack.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved – Everyone loves the familiar flavors of pizza and grilled cheese.
Quick and Satisfying – Ready in under 20 minutes with pantry staples.
Fully Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings or keep it classic.
Perfect for Any Time – Great for quick meals, parties, or even late-night cravings.
Crispy Outside, Cheesy Inside – Buttery toasted bread with a melty, savory center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sandwiches:
8 slices of Italian or sourdough bread
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (adds a slight sharpness)
½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup sliced black olives
¼ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
¼ cup green bell peppers, finely chopped
¼ cup cooked ground beef or turkey sausage crumbles
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional for Dipping:
½ cup warm pizza sauce or marinara sauce

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or griddle
Spatula
Butter knife
Grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Mixing bowl (for combining cheeses)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Have your toppings (olives, mushrooms, peppers, meat) ready and chopped.
Lay out all slices of bread on a clean surface.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread pizza sauce evenly on 4 slices of bread.
Top each sauced slice with a generous amount of the cheese mixture.
Add your favorite toppings over the cheese layer.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place sandwiches butter-side down onto the skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip carefully.
Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, pressing down lightly with a spatula.
Reduce heat if needed to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.

Step 4: Serve Hot
Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove from skillet.
Let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally for that perfect grilled cheese cut.
Serve with warm pizza sauce or marinara on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Pizza Grilled Cheese
Use Fresh Bread – A hearty bread like sourdough or Italian holds up well and adds flavor.
Don’t Skimp on Cheese – A generous cheesy center ensures gooey goodness in every bite.
Butter Evenly – Spread butter all the way to the edges for an evenly crispy crust.
Cook Low & Slow – Medium heat prevents burning and ensures the cheese fully melts.
Get Creative – Try different toppings like spinach, red onions, or even pineapple if you like a sweet-savory mix.

Serving Suggestions
Tomato Soup – A classic grilled cheese partner.
Side Salad – Balance out the richness with a fresh green salad.
Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy, slightly sweet side that complements the savory sandwich.
Garlic Knots – Keep the pizza party going with garlicky bread on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Wrap cooled sandwiches in foil or place in an airtight container. Store up to 2 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat on a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended as it may make the bread soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different cheeses?
   Absolutely! Try provolone, pepper jack, or even a bit of parmesan for added flavor.
2. What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?
   Sourdough, Italian, or any thick-cut bread works best. Avoid thin, soft sandwich bread that may get soggy.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Skip the meat and load up on veggies like spinach, bell peppers, olives, and mushrooms.
4. Can I make these in a panini press?
   Definitely! A panini press gives a beautiful crisp and even melting. Just skip flipping.

Final Thoughts
Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—cheesy, melty, and packed with pizza flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, entertaining guests, or indulging in a late-night snack, this recipe delivers every time.
Give it a try, mix up your toppings, and make it your own. I’d love to hear your favorite combos—leave a comment below and share your creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

Print