Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Cheesy Pizza Melt: Irresistible Grilled Cheese Pizza Recipe

Melted cheese and crispy bread come together in a mouthwatering pizza grilled cheese that brings the best of two comfort foods into one epic sandwich.

This mashup combines the classic grilled cheese with all the zesty flavors of a pepperoni pizza.

Gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and spicy pepperoni create a flavor explosion between perfectly toasted bread slices.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and rich, cheesy goodness that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

The simplicity of this recipe means you can whip up this indulgent meal in mere minutes.

cheese lovers and pizza fans will absolutely adore this quick and easy culinary creation that transforms ordinary lunch into something extraordinary.

Let’s find out this irresistible sandwich and experience a whole new level of cheesy deliciousness.

Tools You’ll Need for Pizza Grilled Cheese

  • Medium bowl: Essential for mixing butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs smoothly.
  • Baking tray: Helps organize buttered bread slices before cooking.
  • Skillet: Perfect for achieving golden-brown, crispy sandwich exterior.
  • Spatula: Crucial for flipping sandwich and ensuring even cooking.
  • Grater: Needed to grate Parmesan cheese finely.
  • Knife: For cutting sandwich in half after cooking.

How to Cook a Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese

How to Cook a Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese
  • Cheesy Spread Preparation

Blend softened butter with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs into a creamy mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Bread Canvas

Generously coat one side of each bread slice with the herbed butter blend, creating a golden foundation for your sandwich adventure.

  • Layering Magic

Place a bread slice butter-side down in a warm skillet, then build layers of mozzarella, pepperoni, more cheese, and another bread slice on top. Press gently to marry all the delicious elements together.

  • Golden Transformation

Grill the sandwich until each side turns a gorgeous crispy brown, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection and the edges to become wonderfully crunchy.

  • Dipping Delight

Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve with warm pizza sauce for an extra burst of flavor that will make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for Crispy Pizza Grilled Cheese Success

Tips for Crispy Pizza Grilled Cheese Success
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that transforms the classic grilled cheese into a zesty pizza experience.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, romano, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that elevate your sandwich.
  • Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure an extra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that provides perfect textural contrast.
  • Transform day-old bread by toasting it slightly before assembling the sandwich, which helps prevent sogginess and adds an extra layer of crunch.
  • Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or fresh basil leaves to create a vegetarian-friendly version that's equally delicious and packed with flavor.

Serving Pizza Grilled Cheese

Serving Pizza Grilled Cheese
  • Dip and Devour Delight: Serve this grilled cheese with a side of warm marinara sauce for an extra burst of pizza-inspired flavor that will make taste buds dance.
  • Pizza Party Platter: Create a fun appetizer spread by cutting the sandwich into smaller triangles, perfect for sharing with friends during game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Fresh Crunch Companion: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy sandwich and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Temperature Tip: Enjoy this sandwich immediately after cooking to experience the maximum gooey cheese pull and crispy golden-brown exterior that makes comfort food irresistible.

Storing Pizza Grilled Cheese Properly

Storing Pizza Grilled Cheese Properly
  • Mealtime Magic Storage
  • Quick Chill Strategy: Cool down the grilled cheese completely before refrigerating. Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Fridge Lifespan Hack: Delicious pizza grilled cheese stays tasty for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Prepare extra sandwiches and freeze individually wrapped in freezer-safe bags. These make perfect grab-and-go meals – simply reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for crispy results within 10-15 minutes.
  • Reheating Perfection: Avoid microwave methods that can make bread soggy. Instead, use a skillet or griddle with medium-low heat to restore that original crispy exterior and melty cheese interior. Add a small pat of butter to the pan for extra golden crispiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

Pizza Grilled Cheese Ingredients

For Spreading and Flavor:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides creamy richness and helps achieve golden, crispy bread exterior.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a zesty, aromatic punch that elevates the overall sandwich taste.
  • Dried Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional pizza-style herbs and depth to the grilled cheese.
For Cheese and Protein:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy, melty texture reminiscent of traditional pizza.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a sharp, salty complement that intensifies the cheesy experience.
  • Pepperoni: Brings spicy, savory meat that transforms a classic grilled cheese into a pizza-inspired delight.
For Bread and Serving:
  • White Bread: Creates a neutral, crisp canvas that allows other ingredients to shine.
  • Warm Pizza Sauce: Provides a tangy, rich dipping companion that completes the pizza grilled cheese experience.
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Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Cheesy pizza grilled cheese blends Italian-American comfort foods into one irresistible sandwich. Melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce deliver satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices white bread
  • 6 oz (170 g) pepperoni (about 24 slices)
  • 12 slices mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Warm pizza sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Butter Mixture: Whisk softened butter with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Bread Preparation: Spread the herbed butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, ensuring full coverage for optimal crispiness.
  3. Skillet Assembly: Place one bread slice butter-side down in a preheated medium-low skillet, then layer with mozzarella cheese to create a foundational base.
  4. Layering Toppings: Strategically arrange pepperoni slices across the cheese, covering the entire surface, then top with another generous layer of mozzarella to encase the pepperoni.
  5. Sandwich Completion: Position the second buttered bread slice on top, butter-side up, gently pressing to compact the layers and ensure even cooking.
  6. Grilling Process: Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom turns golden-brown, then carefully flip the sandwich to crisp the other side and fully melt the cheese.
  7. Serving: Remove from skillet when both sides are perfectly crisp and golden, slice diagonally, and serve immediately with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Butter Blend Mastery: Whisk Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs thoroughly to create a uniform, flavorful spread that elevates the sandwich’s taste profile.
  • Cheese Coverage Technique: Layer mozzarella generously to ensure maximum melting and gooey texture throughout the grilled cheese.
  • Heat Control Crucial: Maintain medium-low heat to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt completely and bread to achieve golden-brown perfection.
  • Dipping Sauce Essential: Serve with warm pizza sauce to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pepperoni and cheese sandwich.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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