If you’ve ever dreamed of your two favorite comfort foods coming together in perfect harmony, this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to make your day. Imagine crispy, buttery French bread hugging a melty, cheesy, pepperoni-studded filling with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning, all ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate nostalgic treat that satisfies your pizza cravings and your comfort food urges simultaneously. This recipe is as fun to make as it is to devour, with a satisfying crunch outside and gooey, flavorful goodness inside that might just become your new go-to snack or meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible pizza vibe. From the creamy cheeses to the crispy pepperoni bits, these essentials are easy to find yet incredibly effective at turning ordinary grilled cheese into a standout dish.
- French bread: Provides the perfect sturdy and crusty base for toasting, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
- Butter: Softened for easy spreading, it creates that golden, crispy exterior that makes grilled cheese so delicious.
- Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and a touch of tang, bringing the classic pizza essence to every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives a creamy, smooth texture that balances the sharper cheeses.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey cheese pull every pizza lover dreams of.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the sandwich.
- Pepperoni, diced: Delivers bursts of savory, spiced flavor and a bit of meaty texture in every bite.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor that complements the Italian seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the pizza-inspired ingredients together perfectly.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all of your ingredients and setting them out on your counter. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it spreads easily on the bread without tearing it.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Pepperoni
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced pepperoni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated, creating the rich and flavorful filling that sets this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe apart.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Take one slice of French bread and spread butter on one side. On the unbuttered side, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce. Next, dollop the cheese and pepperoni mixture over the sauce and spread it out evenly. Top with another slice of French bread, butter side facing outward. Repeat this process to assemble all the sandwiches you plan to make.
Step 4: Toast the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and is wonderfully crispy. This step is where the sandwich really starts to come alive with texture.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over the top of each sandwich in the final few minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the parmesan to melt slightly, adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them in half. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping, elevating every bite with a zesty burst of flavor.
How to Serve Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens this indulgent dish perfectly. If you’re feeling bold, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a little heat to kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This pizza grilled cheese shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup complements the sandwich beautifully. The freshness from the salad or the warmth from the soup creates a balanced, satisfying meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into bite-sized sliders for a fun party snack or serve as open-faced melts topped with additional pepperoni and oregano for a different spin. Another great option is stacking a couple of these sandwiches with layers of fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza grilled cheese sandwiches can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their flavor and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but do not cook them. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. This makes a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
For reheating, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering it to help warm through without drying out. Microwave reheats work in a pinch but can make the bread less crispy, so a skillet or oven is preferred for best results.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread offers great texture, you can substitute with sourdough, ciabatta, or even thick-cut sandwich bread. Just be sure that it holds up well when toasted.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, many kids love the familiar flavors of pizza combined with grilled cheese. You can adjust the amount of seasoning and spice to keep it mild and kid-friendly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, olives, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to keep the pizza vibe without meat.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates the perfect blend of creamy, gooey, and savory notes. However, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone or fontina to suit your taste.
How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
Use a thick bread like French bread and spread the marinara sauce thinly but evenly. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough to toast the bread quickly and keep the grilled cheese crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy and mouthwatering, this Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly blends the best of both worlds with its crispy crust, cheesy filling, and that unmistakable pizza flavor. Don’t hesitate to try it out and watch it quickly become one of your favorite comforting indulgences to make and share.
Print
Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the savory taste of pizza. Featuring a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, and diced pepperoni, sandwiched between buttery toasted French bread and served with marinara sauce for dipping, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a flavorful snack or meal.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 slices French bread
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- ½ cup marinara sauce (plus additional for dipping)
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni, diced
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened so it spreads easily on the bread.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced pepperoni, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread butter on one side of a slice of French bread. On the unbuttered side, spread marinara sauce, followed by the cheese and pepperoni mixture. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out. Repeat for all sandwiches.
- Toast the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Finishing Touches: In the last couple of minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top of the sandwiches and cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Softened butter ensures even spreading and crispier grilled bread.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage or vegetables.
- Use fresh marinara sauce warmed slightly for better dipping experience.
- Make sure to cover the skillet briefly when melting the parmesan to achieve gooey cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sandwich while hot and melty.
