This fun Pizza Grilled Cheese brings together two favorites: cheesy goodness and tasty pizza flavors! Think crispy bread, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings all in one sandwich.
What’s not to love? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I like to dip mine in marinara sauce for extra pizza vibes—what’s your favorite dip? 🍕🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend using Italian bread for its delicious crust and flavor. However, any bread like white or whole wheat works well too. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free bread varieties available at most stores.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltiness. However, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for added flavor. A blend can take your grilled cheese to the next level!
Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni adds a nice kick. For a healthier option, turkey pepperoni or even veggies like sliced bell peppers or olives can work as great substitutes.
Marinara Sauce: This is perfect for dipping! You can use store-bought or homemade marinara. If you prefer a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes to give it a flavor boost.
How Do I Get My Grilled Cheese Extra Crispy and Melty?
The key step to a perfect pizza grilled cheese is managing heat and time. Here’s how to ensure a crispy exterior and gooey center:
- Always butter the bread generously – this is what gives it that golden brown color.
- Cook on medium heat. If it’s too high, the bread can burn before the cheese melts.
- Try covering the skillet with a lid for a minute after flipping—this steams the sandwich just enough to melt the cheese perfectly.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or Italian)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
For Dipping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Optional Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making Pizza Grilled Cheese will take about 10-15 minutes. This includes 5 minutes for prep and around 5-10 minutes for cooking. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your skillet:
Start by heating a skillet or griddle on medium heat. It should be hot enough to toast the bread nicely but not so hot that it burns.
2. Butter the Bread:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you want to amp up the flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning on the butter before spreading it. Yummy!
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take four slices of bread and place them in the skillet, buttered side down. Now, on each slice, add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, followed by a layer of pepperoni slices. Finally, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni, and complete the sandwiches with the other four slices of bread, this time with the buttered side facing up.
4. Cook Them Up:
Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Gently flip each sandwich over and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheesy all the way through.
5. Slice and Serve:
Once both sides are perfectly golden and the cheese is gooey and melted, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Cut each sandwich in half and serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic stretchy quality, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just keep the total cheese amount around 1 cup for the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you want a different flavor or need a meatless option, try using turkey pepperoni, salami, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, go for plant-based pepperoni or just load up on your favorite veggies!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for the best results, or pop them in the toaster oven to crisp up the bread.
Can I Make a Larger Batch?
Of course! Simply double the ingredients and cook the sandwiches in batches. Just make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure they cook evenly. You might need to adjust cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
