Grilled Cheese Pizza

Featured in: Bold Recipes from the Grill

This melty grilled cheese is packed with pizza toppings like mozzarella and pepperoni, all on garlic-buttered bread. Dunk in warm marinara for extra punch.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:20:17 GMT
A rustic grilled sandwich stuffed with melted cheese and pepperoni, plated on a wooden board. Pin it
A rustic grilled sandwich stuffed with melted cheese and pepperoni, plated on a wooden board. | cookingkitchn.com

Craving two comfort foods at once? Check out this pizza grilled cheese sandwich! I whipped this up during an indecision moment between classic pizza and a grilled cheese – and wow, what a combo! Picture buttery, crunchy bread packed with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and all your fave pizza elements. It's become such a hit that my children now beg for this instead of traditional pizza!

What Makes This Special

This treat comes together in just minutes – perfect when hunger strikes fast! You can toss in any pizza additions you fancy, and even the fussiest kids get thrilled about eating it. It's basically what happens when two beloved comfort dishes merge into one amazing meal!

Grab These Items

  • Butter: Gives that exterior its perfect crunch.
  • Cheeses: Stretchy mozzarella and some Parmesan.
  • Pizza Additions: Marinara, herbs, pepperoni slices.
  • Solid Bread: Choose something that won't fall apart!
  • Flavor Boosters: Italian seasoning and garlic powder work wonders.

Creating The Sandwich

Upgrade Your Butter
Blend room temperature butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and Parmesan. This mixture is game-changing!
Stack It Up
Smear your special butter mix onto bread slices. Add mozzarella, pepperoni, then more cheese because you deserve it!
Start Cooking
Use medium-low heat so cheese melts before bread burns. Give it a gentle press with your spatula to help everything get gooey.
Turn Carefully
Once the bottom turns golden, flip it over gently. The second side browns faster, so stay alert!
Ready To Devour
Slice it down the middle and enjoy that amazing cheese stretch! Don't forget warm marinara for dipping!

Pro Tips

Take your time cooking – rushing won't help. Want extra crispiness? Throw some Parmesan directly onto the buttered exterior. Using fresh mozz? Make sure to dry it properly or you'll end up with soggy bread. And always keep extra dipping sauce nearby!

A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. Pin it
A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches with melted cheese and marinara sauce oozing out, placed on a wooden surface. | cookingkitchn.com

How To Enjoy

Dive in while it's still hot for the most impressive cheese pulls! Got some left? Warm them up in a skillet, not the microwave – keeps the crunch intact. Need to make it more balanced? Throw a small salad alongside to balance all that richness.

Tasty Variations

Try tucking in some baby spinach for a touch of green and pretend it's healthy! Cook everything slowly – that's what Bobby Flay would recommend. And always shred your cheese by hand rather than buying pre-shredded – Ina's right, it really does melt so much nicer!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why soften the butter first?

It spreads easier and creates a golden, crispy crust while grilling.

→ Is mozzarella the only option?

Mozzarella adds that pizza feel, but other stretchy cheeses work too.

→ Why stick to medium-low heat?

Prevents burning the bread and makes sure the cheese melts evenly.

→ Can I change up the fillings?

Absolutely! Add your favorite veggies or even extra meats.

→ What's the reason for layering the cheese?

It melts into a perfect gooey base and helps keep the pepperoni in place.

Grilled Cheese Pizza

A gooey, cheesy sandwich packed with pepperoni and layered mozzarella, slathered in seasoned garlic butter.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Grilled Goodness

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon of Parmesan, grated.
02 1/2 cup of butter, softened and unsalted.
03 1/2 teaspoon of Italian herbs.
04 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
05 8 pieces of white sandwich bread.
06 A dozen mozzarella slices.
07 6 oz of pepperoni slices.
08 Dip-worthy pizza sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine softened butter, garlic seasoning, Italian herbs, and Parmesan in a bowl. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and blended.

Step 02

Spread the prepared butter mix thickly on one side of every piece of bread. Make sure you go all the way to the edges.

Step 03

On a sheet tray, place the slices with the buttered side facing up, gently and evenly spaced.

Step 04

Set a big skillet on medium-low heat. Let it warm up so the butter doesn’t burn when cooking.

Step 05

Add a slice of bread to the pan, placing the butter side down and pressing slightly so it makes full contact.

Step 06

Lay down one mozzarella slice over the bread slice that’s in the skillet.

Step 07

Spread six pepperoni slices on top of the mozzarella, evening them out across the cheese.

Step 08

Place a second slice of mozzarella directly over the pepperoni layer.

Step 09

Layer six more slices of pepperoni over the second cheese layer.

Step 10

Add one last slice of mozzarella, spreading it out for even cheesiness.

Step 11

Put a second slice of bread butter-side up on top to finish the sandwich.

Step 12

Leave it to cook for 3–5 minutes until the bread on the bottom gets a nice golden color.

Step 13

Use a spatula to flip the entire sandwich. Do it gently to avoid disturbing the layers.

Step 14

Let the other side cook for another 3–5 minutes until you see a golden crisp and the cheese is melted.

Step 15

Serve them hot and enjoy dipping into some warm pizza sauce!

Notes

  1. Three gooey cheese layers.
  2. Mouthwatering pizza-inspired taste.
  3. Quick to whip up.
  4. Ultimate comfort food winner.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet.
  • Tray for baking.
  • Medium bowl for mixing.
  • Flipping-friendly spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy in butter and cheese.
  • Wheat in the bread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 24 g