Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Fantastically Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Melted cheese and crispy bread create pure comfort with this mouthwatering pizza grilled cheese sandwich that blends two beloved classics into one irresistible meal.

Marinara sauce adds a tangy punch to the creamy, gooey layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan.

Perfectly toasted bread hugs a delicious blend of Italian-inspired flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.

Crisp edges and a soft, cheesy center transform an ordinary sandwich into something extraordinary.

This quick and easy recipe brings restaurant-style indulgence straight to your kitchen.

Golden-brown and packed with savory goodness, the sandwich promises to satisfy even the most demanding cheese lover.

Prepare to elevate your lunch game with this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 148 kcal

Servings: 2

Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Ingredient Lineup

For Spreading and Flavor:
  • Butter: Adds crispy, golden exterior and rich taste to the sandwich.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces zesty, aromatic seasoning.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal and robust background notes.
For Cheese and Filling:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creates smooth, stretchy melting texture with classic pizza feel.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances sharp, salty depth to the sandwich.
  • Marinara Sauce: Delivers tangy tomato essence and classic pizza flavor.
  • Pepperoni: Optional protein that brings spicy, savory pizza-style element.
For Cooking Surface:
  • Bread: Serves as crispy, golden carrier for delicious fillings; choose sturdy white or sourdough for best results.

Tools That Press and Toast Pizza Grilled Cheese Just Right

  • Skillet: Essential for grilling the sandwich to golden-brown perfection.
  • Spatula: Perfect for flipping the sandwich without breaking it.
  • Knife: Needed for slicing bread and cutting the finished sandwich.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for sandwich preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for sprinkling garlic powder and seasoning evenly.

How to Make a Pizza Grilled Cheese with That Stretchy Pull

  • Prep the Bread Boost Flavor

Grab your bread slices and coat one side generously with butter. Dust the buttered surface with a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian seasoning to amp up the taste sensation.

  • Create Cheesy Magic

Layer mozzarella cheese across the unbuttered side of two bread slices. Splash marinara sauce over the cheese, then scatter pepperoni if you’re craving extra zest. Dust with a light snowfall of Parmesan for that flavor punch.

  • Sizzle and Transform

Fire up a skillet over medium heat. Gently place your loaded sandwiches into the pan, letting them dance and crisp for 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color and the cheese melting into gooey perfection.

  • Dive Into Deliciousness

Slice your grilled cheese masterpiece diagonally. Serve piping hot with a side of extra marinara sauce for dipping and maximum enjoyment.

Flavor Additions for Your Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

  • Let cheese come to room temperature before assembling to ensure even, gooey melting throughout the sandwich.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the crunchiest, most golden-brown exterior with perfect texture and color.
  • Replace bread with large cheese whisps or low-carb tortillas for a keto-friendly version that still delivers big pizza flavor.
  • Add sliced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between cheese layers for extra nutrition and a veggie-packed punch.
  • Assemble sandwiches in advance, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate until ready to grill – perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Ways to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese as Lunch or Snack

  • Pizza Party Plunge: A Dip-tastic Diner's Delight
  • Marinara Magic: Serve with a warm marinara sauce in a small ramekin for extra dipping excitement. The tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy, cheesy sandwich.
  • Side Kick Crunch: Pair with a crisp garden salad or some crunchy garlic breadsticks to balance the rich, cheesy sandwich. This adds a fresh element to your meal.
  • Beverage Buddy: Complement the sandwich with a cold beer, sparkling lemonade, or an iced tea. The refreshing drink will cut through the sandwich's richness and cleanse your palate.
  • Picnic Perfect: Wrap the sandwich in parchment paper for a fun lunch box treat or outdoor meal. These sandwiches travel well and taste amazing at room temperature.

Saving Your Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich for Later

  • Perfect for busy weeknights or fast lunch options that satisfy pizza and grilled cheese cravings simultaneously. Prepare ingredients in advance to speed up assembly.
  • Store uncooked sandwich components separately in sealed containers. Cheese and pepperoni can stay refrigerated for 3-4 days. Keep marinara sauce in an airtight container.
  • Warm leftover sandwiches in a skillet for crispy results. Avoid microwave to maintain bread's crunchiness. Heat on medium-low for 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts.
  • Assemble sandwiches, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before grilling for best texture and flavor.
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Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Gooey Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Melty cheese and crispy bread collide in this pizza grilled cheese sandwich, blending Italian-American comfort foods into one irresistible bite. Gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and pepperoni create a quick lunch that satisfies deep cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bread (sourdough or white)
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup/240 ml shredded mozzarella)
  • 1216 slices pepperoni
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat each bread slice’s exterior with butter, then dust with fragrant garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an elevated flavor profile.
  2. Layering Construction: Arrange mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and Parmesan on the inner bread surface, strategically covering the entire slice to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  3. Culinary Transformation: Position sandwich in a preheated medium-temperature skillet, grilling each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until the exterior achieves a crisp, golden-brown texture and the cheese melts into a luxurious, gooey consistency.
  4. Presentation: Carefully slice the sandwich diagonally and accompany with additional marinara sauce for an indulgent dipping experience, serving immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and molten cheese integrity.

Notes

  • Sprinkle dried herbs and garlic powder on buttered bread for an intense taste profile that elevates the basic grilled cheese concept.
  • Use room temperature cheese and low-medium heat to ensure even, smooth melting without burning the bread’s exterior.
  • For vegetarian versions, swap pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to maintain rich, savory elements.
  • Press sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling to create a uniformly golden, crisp exterior that provides perfect textural contrast.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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