Save It Pizza grilled cheese sandwiches are my favorite way to get the craveable flavors of pizza with the unbeatable ease of a classic grilled cheese. The gooey mozzarella, buttery crunchy bread, and pepperoni have my family asking for these on busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.
I made this sandwich for the first time when my nephew was visiting and now he demands them every time he comes over so it has definitely earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
Ingredients
- Pizza sauce: adds tangy tomato flavor look for a thicker style so it does not make your bread soggy
- Sandwich bread: sturdy but soft bread to soak up butter and grill beautifully white or sourdough are my top picks
- Mozzarella cheese: melts into oozy goodness select fresh sliced cheese for best melting
- Pepperoni: classic topping for salty spicy flavor look for uncured or deli sliced for more natural taste
- Italian seasoning: gives that signature pizza note optional but it makes a big difference use a blend with oregano and basil for best results
- Butter or oil: ensures golden crispy bread opt for butter for the richest flavor or olive oil for a lighter option
Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
- Lay out four bread slices and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the interior side of each slice be sure to go right to the edges for even flavor
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- On two of the bread slices layer slices of mozzarella evenly so the cheese covers the entire surface arrange four to five pepperoni slices on top of the cheese sprinkle over some Italian seasoning if using for extra depth top each with the remaining bread sauce side in
- Butter the Outside:
- Generously spread soft butter or brush oil on the outer sides of both sandwiches from edge to edge this step is what gives you a shatteringly crisp crust
- Grill to Perfection:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat place both sandwiches butter side down cook for three to four minutes per side pressing gently until the bread is deeply golden and the cheese is melted all the way through if your bread is browning too fast reduce the heat slightly
- Serve Hot:
- Slice your sandwiches diagonally for that classic cafeteria look and serve them piping hot with extra sauce for dipping
Save It My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the mozzarella because it stretches into those irresistible cheese pulls My sister and I used to have contests to see who could stretch the longest cheese strand these sandwiches quickly became our tradition
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover sandwiches in foil and store in the fridge for up to two days For best texture reheat in a toaster oven or hot skillet so the bread re crisps Microwaving is faster but the bread can get chewy
Ingredient Substitutions
Try provolone or cheddar if you do not have mozzarella Turkey pepperoni or even thinly sliced salami work in a pinch For the sauce a thick marinara or even tomato paste mixed with a dab of olive oil can sub in Use gluten free bread and vegan cheese for allergy friendly swaps
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple side salad or bowl of tomato soup for a heartier meal My nephews like them best cut into sticks for dunking in extra sauce These sandwiches make nostalgic party appetizers when quartered too
Cultural Context
This mashup is pure American comfort food blending Italian American pizza flavors with the universally beloved grilled cheese It became especially popular in the last decade as home cooks started riffing on childhood favorites for quick meals
Seasonal Adaptations
Add thinly sliced tomatoes or fresh basil in summer Top with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers in fall and winter Use garlic bread as your base if you love extra flavor
Success Stories
A friend made a big batch of these for her kids birthday party and hardly any were left I sent the recipe to my cousin who swapped in veggie fillings to rave reviews This is the kind of fun food that brings people together
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble the sandwiches and freeze them ungrilled between sheets of parchment paper Grill from frozen over low heat for an extra minute or two per side The bread gets especially crispy and the flavor is just as satisfying
Save It Kids and adults will be excited for these Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches This nostalgic mashup is impossible to resist with gooey cheese and crispy crusts
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of bread works best for this mashup?
Sturdy sandwich bread offers the right structure and toasts evenly, giving a crunchy outside and holding all the cheesy fillings.
- → Can a different cheese be used instead of mozzarella?
Yes, provolone, cheddar, or a blend can bring different melting qualities and flavor, though mozzarella gives the classic pizza stretch.
- → How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Spread a thin layer of sauce and always grill with the sauce inside. Buttering the bread exterior helps develop a crispy crust.
- → Are there ways to make it vegetarian?
Use vegetarian pepperoni or leave out the meat, and pick a plant-based cheese if you want a dairy-free option.
- → Any tips for extra flavor?
Sprinkle Italian herbs, add chopped basil, or include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick before grilling the sandwich.