PIZZA GRILLED CHEESE
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 2
Introduction
Can’t decide between pizza and a grilled cheese sandwich? Why not have both! This Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup — crispy golden bread, gooey melted cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings in every bite.
It’s kid-approved, adult-loved, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or something fun for movie night, this sandwich hits all the right notes: cheesy, savory, and satisfyingly crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy — 20 minutes from start to finish
Totally customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
Great for kids, picky eaters, and anyone craving comfort food
Perfect way to use up leftover marinara or pizza sauce
Can be made gluten-free or vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Sandwich:
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4 slices of bread (white, sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but tasty!)
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1/4 cup pizza or marinara sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Optional Pizza Toppings (Choose Your Faves):
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8–10 slices pepperoni
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1/4 cup chopped cooked sausage or bacon
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1/4 cup sliced black olives
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1/4 cup sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
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Pinch of Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
Equipment Needed
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Skillet or frying pan
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Spatula
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Butter knife or pastry brush
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Grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
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Butter one side of each bread slice. These will be the outer sides that get toasted.
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On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
On top of the sauce:
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Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese
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Add your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, olives, veggies)
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning (if using)
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Add the rest of the mozzarella
Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side facing up.
tep 3: Toast the Sandwiches
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan.
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Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy, and cheese is melted.
Pro tip: Cook low and slow to melt the cheese without burning the bread.
Step 4: Serve
Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice in half. Serve with warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Variations & Add-Ons
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Supreme Pizza Style: Add onions, peppers, olives, sausage, and mushrooms.
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Hawaiian: Add ham and pineapple chunks.
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Spicy: Use jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
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Veggie Lover’s: Load up with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
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Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese, vegan butter, and plant-based toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Pizza Grilled Cheese with:
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A side salad (for balance)
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Tomato soup (classic combo)
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Garlic fries or sweet potato fries
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Sparkling water, soda, or an ice-cold beer for grown-ups
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Let cool, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To Reheat:
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In a skillet: 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat
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In the oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
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Avoid microwaving if possible (it makes the bread soggy)
Nutrition (Per Sandwich, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480–550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40g |
| Protein | 18–24g |
| Fat | 25–30g |
| Sodium | 850–1100mg |
| Sugar | 4–6g |
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on bread and toppings used.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the best of both worlds: the melty, stretchy cheese you crave in grilled cheese, and the bold, saucy flavors of your favorite pizza — all in one irresistible sandwich.
Perfect for kids, teens, and pizza-loving adults. Once you make this once, it’ll become a repeat request in your kitchen