If you’re craving something that beautifully blends the gooey comfort of grilled cheese with the bold flavors of your favorite pizza, let me introduce you to the irresistible 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe. This delightful twist on two classic favorites brings together crispy, buttery bread with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and spicy pepperoni, all in less time than it takes to call your pizza delivery. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly warms your soul and satisfies that pizza craving without any fuss, making it a perfect go-to for a quick lunch or cozy dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing its part to create harmony in every bite. From the creamy, aromatic garlic butter that crisps the bread to the savory blend of cheese and pepperoni, these essentials will make your sandwich sing with flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup, softened: This is the base of your garlic butter, ensuring each sandwich gets that perfect golden crust with a rich buttery taste.
- Grated parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons: Adds a sharp, nutty note that elevates the garlic butter beyond ordinary.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: Brings the familiar herbs like oregano and basil to perk up every mouthful with classic Italian flair.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: A robust garlic punch that infuses the butter mixture, making the bread aromatic and flavorful.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances and enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Thick slices of sturdy bread, 8 slices: Choose sourdough or Italian bread for structure and a chewy interior that holds up beautifully to the fillings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 cups: The classic melty cheese that binds the sandwich together with its creamy texture.
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce, 1/2 cup: Provides that tangy, tomato-rich base reminiscent of your favorite pizza pie.
- Thin slices of pepperoni, 24 slices: The spicy, savory stars of the show adding a satisfying bite in every mouthful.
How to Make 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Start by combining softened unsalted butter with grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these together creates a luscious garlic butter that will crisp up the bread with a flavorful, aromatic coating that takes this sandwich from simple to sensational.
Step 2: Spread the Garlic Butter on Bread
Generously spread the garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. This step is crucial because it helps you get that irresistibly golden, crispy exterior that will literally make your sandwich sing when cooked.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat and let it warm up. Preparing the pan ahead ensures the bread starts to toast immediately when it hits the surface, helping the sandwich become perfectly crisp without burning.
Step 4: Build the Sandwiches
Lay four bread slices butter-side down in the skillet. Then, top each slice with shredded mozzarella, a spoonful of pizza sauce, and six slices of pepperoni. These layers meld together into that irresistible pizza flavor you love, sandwiched with oozy cheese and savory pepperoni.
Step 5: Finish Assembling and Cook
Place the remaining four bread slices on top, butter-side up. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip each sandwich to toast the other side and let the cheese melt perfectly inside. This step locks in the gooey cheese and toasty garlic butter flavor on both sides.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once cooked through and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the heat. Let them rest for a moment before slicing into halves or quarters. Serve hot, and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
How to Serve 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes over the sandwiches right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of shaved parmesan also brings a lovely finishing touch, adding a fresh or salty pop to contrast the richness inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these sandwiches with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting classic combo. Garlic roasted veggies or a simple cup of pickles also provide a satisfying crunch that balances every bite perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, cut the sandwiches into smaller finger-food sized squares and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks. You can even swap pepperoni out for different toppings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or fresh spinach to customize flavors while keeping the heart of the 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep the bread from drying out and preserve the delicious flavors for an easy next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but stop before cooking. Wrap each sandwich individually then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month, making them perfect for quick meals when you need a savory pick-me-up pronto.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven. This method refreshes the crispy garlic butter crust and remelts the cheese beautifully without sogginess. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain that freshly cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded mozzarella is classic for that stretchy, melty feel, you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even a little fontina for extra flavor complexity. Just be sure to keep the total cheese amount around 1 1/2 cups for perfect melty balance.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the pepperoni?
Yes, you can easily swap the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even plant-based pepperoni substitutes. These options keep the sandwich hearty and flavorful without the meat.
What bread works best for the 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe?
Sturdy, thick slices of bread like sourdough or Italian loaf work best because they hold up to the fillings and garlic butter without becoming soggy. Avoid very soft or thin bread as it might fall apart during cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free sturdy bread. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free sourdough or Italian-style breads that work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I make this sandwich spicier?
To add some heat, include sliced jalapeños, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside before cooking, or use spicy pepperoni varieties. Adding a dash of hot sauce to the pizza sauce layer also gives a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe marries the best of two beloved comfort foods into one crispy, cheesy creation. It’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this sandwich is a wonderful, crave-worthy discovery that’s sure to become a regular favorite. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
These 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining garlic butter, melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni, this recipe delivers a crispy, golden-brown sandwich with all the flavors of your favorite pizza in an easy-to-make grilled cheese form. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that satisfies pizza cravings in under half an hour.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Blend
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sandwich Components
- 8 thick slices sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 24 thin slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up. This ensures an even cook and a perfect crust.
- Start Assembling the Sandwich: Place four of the bread slices butter-side down onto the hot skillet, preparing the base for the sandwiches.
- Add Toppings: On each bread slice in the skillet, layer shredded mozzarella cheese, a generous spoonful of pizza sauce or marinara, and six thin slices of pepperoni to build the pizza flavors inside the sandwich.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Cover each prepared base with the remaining four bread slices, butter-side up, completing the sandwich assembly.
- Cook Sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches until the bottom bread is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip each one. Continue cooking the other side until it is golden and the cheese inside has melted completely.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan on the sandwiches before flipping.
- Use a heavy skillet or griddle for even heat distribution and crispier crust.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings like cooked sausage, veggies, or mushrooms.
- To avoid sogginess, do not overload the sandwich with too much sauce.
- Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet on low heat to restore crispiness.
