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Pizza Grilled Cheese Comfort

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Enjoy the flavors of pizza and grilled cheese in one irresistible sandwich! Mozzarella, marinara, and optional pepperoni are layered between buttery bread, then crisped to perfection in a skillet. This is an easy, satisfying option for lunch or a quick snack. Try sourdough or Texas toast for best texture, and sprinkle Parmesan or fresh basil for extra flavor. For a vegetarian twist, swap out pepperoni for mushrooms or bell peppers. Perfect for busy days when you want something cheesy, hearty, and simple to make.

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Casey
Updated on Sat, 09 Aug 2025 12:02:46 GMT
A slice of pizza on a plate. Pin it
A slice of pizza on a plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

When you want pure comfort food in a hurry a pizza grilled cheese is hard to beat Melty mozzarella and tangy marinara mingling between crispy buttery bread make this the ultimate quick lunch or an easy snack It tastes like your favorite pizza order but takes a fraction of the effort

I first threw this together on a hectic weeknight after soccer practice My kids loved it so much we started rotating it right alongside our usual grilled cheeses

Ingredients

  • Sturdy bread: gives the sandwich structure Sourdough or Texas toast keep the insides gooey without falling apart Fresher always holds up best
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts perfectly for that classic cheese pull Use whole milk mozzarella if you can
  • Marinara sauce: provides a zesty pizza flavor Choose a thicker jarred or homemade sauce so your sandwich does not get soggy
  • Pepperoni: adds a classic pizzeria taste Opt for quality deli or thick-cut slices if you love a bolder bite Or skip for a vegetarian option
  • Butter: ensures a golden crisp crust Let it soften for easy spreading over bread
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: on top takes flavor and crustiness up a notch Go with real aged Parmesan if available
  • Italian seasoning or chopped fresh basil: freshens every bite Dried seasoning is great in a pinch but fresh basil really makes it pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Bread:
Spread a generous layer of softened butter over one side of every bread slice This gives the best golden crunch
Build the Layers:
Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce on the non-buttered side Lay on a thick blanket of mozzarella cheese then tuck in pepperoni if you are using it
Season for Flavor:
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or scatter on lots of fresh chopped basil for a bright herby touch
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Close each sandwich so the buttered sides face out This sets you up for the perfect crisp finish
Grill to Perfection:
Set a skillet over medium heat Lay sandwiches in gently Cook each side for about three to four minutes pressing down just a little until golden and melty
Slice and Serve:
Let the grilled cheese cool just a minute to set the cheese Slice in half and serve hot for the best stretchy cheese pull
A stack of pepperoni sandwiches. Pin it
A stack of pepperoni sandwiches. | cookingwithcasey.com

Mozzarella is always my favorite part The way it stretches when you pull the sandwich apart brings back memories of my brothers and I racing for the cheesiest slice Growing up grilled cheese always meant fun at lunchtime and this pizza twist is now our ultimate treat

Storage Tips

Pizza grilled cheese tastes best hot from the skillet but you can stash leftovers in the fridge for one day Rewarm gently in a nonstick pan to restore the crispy bread Avoid the microwave since it can turn the bread soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Monterey Jack or provolone if mozzarella runs low Swap in pesto for marinara for a herby spin Sliced black olives roasted bell pepper or bits of cooked sausage can all stand in for pepperoni if you are feeling creative

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sandwich with a simple side salad or a mug of soup for a cozy meal For a snack cut the sandwiches into strips for dipping in extra marinara Kids love this with carrot sticks and apple slices

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic American comfort food first gaining popularity in the early 1900s Adding pizza flavors nods to two beloved foods in the US and makes a nod to Italian American pizza culture It is a mashup that brings together the crisp buttery bread of a diner grilled cheese with the tomato mozzarella combo of a New York slice

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread holds up best?

Sourdough, Texas toast, or any sturdy bread works well. Avoid soft sandwich bread which may get soggy.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit pepperoni and use mushrooms, bell peppers, or your favorite veggies instead.

→ How do I get an extra crispy exterior?

Spread butter evenly on the outside and sprinkle Parmesan cheese before grilling for more crunch and flavor.

→ Is there a way to spice it up?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni to give the sandwich a mild kick.

→ What cheese substitutes work if I don’t have mozzarella?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different but delicious result.

→ Can I use a toaster oven instead of a skillet?

Yes, toast assembled sandwiches in a preheated toaster oven until cheese melts and bread is golden.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Comfort

Mozzarella, marinara, and pepperoni come together in a golden, melty sandwich for fast, savory satisfaction.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
13 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 4 slices sturdy bread, such as sourdough or Texas toast
02 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
03 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
04 8 slices pepperoni (optional)

→ Seasoning and Finishing

05 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, softened
06 2 tablespoons (10 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
07 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Step 01

Butter one side of each bread slice evenly to ensure crisp toasting.

Step 02

Spread a layer of marinara sauce onto the unbuttered side of each bread slice. Top with shredded mozzarella. Add pepperoni slices, if using, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh basil.

Step 03

Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing outward, to create sandwiches.

Step 04

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the outside for extra crispness before flipping.

Step 05

Remove sandwiches from skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Use high-quality, sturdy bread such as sourdough to prevent sogginess.
  2. For added heat, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
  3. Substitute vegetables like mushrooms or bell pepper for a vegetarian option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Nonstick skillet or frying pan
  • Flexible spatula
  • Bread knife for slicing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter).
  • Contains gluten (bread).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 25 g