Pizza Grilled Cheese

This Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food favorites. Crispy golden bread is layered with gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, then grilled to melty perfection. It’s a quick and satisfying meal I love to make when I’m craving pizza flavor without the hassle of dough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, cheesy, and loaded with the familiar flavors of my favorite pizza. It’s endlessly customizable, quick to put together, and totally hits the spot whether I’m making lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack. With a crisp, buttery crust and a hot, melty interior, it’s everything I want in a comfort sandwich.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (sourdough, Italian, or sandwich bread)

• Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced

• Marinara or pizza sauce

• Pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings)

• Butter or olive oil (for grilling)

• Grated Parmesan (optional, for the crust)

• Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

directions

1. I spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If I want extra flavor, I mix a little Parmesan and Italian seasoning into the butter.

2. I place one slice, butter-side down, on a skillet over medium heat.

3. I layer on mozzarella, spoon a bit of marinara sauce, add pepperoni or other toppings, and top with more cheese.

4. I place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up, and grill until the bottom is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.

5. I carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted, another 2–3 minutes.

6. I let it rest a minute before slicing and serving with extra marinara for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and cook—perfect for a fast, flavorful meal.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in provolone or cheddar for the cheese, or use cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for other pizza vibes. I’ve also made it on garlic bread for an extra punch of flavor, or added crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. For a veggie version, I load it with spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

storage/reheating

This sandwich is best fresh, but I store leftovers in the fridge for a day. To reheat, I use a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving works, but it softens the bread.

FAQs

Can I use tomato sauce instead of marinara?

Yes, but I season it with a little garlic and herbs to boost the flavor.

What’s the best bread to use?

I prefer sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian so it holds up to the filling and crisps well.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. I assemble the sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely. I use plant-based cheese and butter, and it still gets melty and delicious.

What goes well with this?

I usually serve it with a side salad, tomato soup, or extra marinara for dipping.

Conclusion

This Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun, fast, and flavorful way to satisfy pizza cravings without turning on the oven. With melty cheese, crispy bread, and endless topping possibilities, it’s the kind of simple comfort food I come back to again and again. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or making a quick solo lunch, this sandwich always delivers.