Description
This Crispy Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the best of both comfort food classics with golden, buttery bread, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the ultimate snack hack that kids and adults devour equally.
Ingredients
For the Sandwiches:
8 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for butter
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
For the Pizza Filling:
1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pinch of garlic powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Toppings (choose favorites):
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Extra marinara for dipping
Instructions
1. Soften butter to room temperature. Mix pizza sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Combine shredded cheeses in a bowl.
2. Dice all toppings small (1/4-inch or smaller) for easy layering.
3. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice, edge to edge. Optional: sprinkle buttered side with Parmesan.
4. Place one bread slice buttered-side-down. Spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce on unbuttered side, leaving 1/4-inch border.
5. Layer 1/4 cup cheese blend, then 3-4 tablespoons chosen toppings, then another 1/4 cup cheese. This cheese-topping-cheese method prevents leaking.
6. Top with second bread slice, buttered-side-up. Press down gently to compact.
7. Heat large skillet over medium-low heat. Test with small butter drop – should sizzle gently, not smoke.
8. Place sandwich in skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes without moving until bottom is deep golden brown.
9. Flip carefully with wide spatula. Press gently with spatula for good pan contact.
10. Cook another 3-4 minutes until second side is golden and cheese is completely melted and oozing slightly.
11. Let rest 1-2 minutes on cutting board before slicing diagonally.
12. Serve immediately with extra marinara for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Medium-low heat is crucial – prevents burnt bread with cold cheese inside.
Use only 2 tablespoons sauce per sandwich to prevent sogginess.
Keep sauce 1/4-inch from edges to prevent leaking.
Cheese-topping-cheese layering keeps everything contained.
Dice toppings small for even distribution and easier eating.
Best eaten immediately for maximum crispness.
Don’t microwave leftovers – reheat in skillet or oven for crispy results.
Can assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cook just before serving.
For panini press: cook 5-6 minutes on medium heat.
Shred cheese from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded for best melting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crispy pizza grilled cheese, pizza grilled cheese, easy lunch recipe, kid friendly sandwich, comfort food