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Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese of a classic grilled cheese sandwich with the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza. It is a quick lunch, easy dinner, or satisfying snack that comes together in minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches

Ingredients

4 slices thick sandwich bread, sourdough, or Italian bread
2 tablespoons softened butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shredded cheddar or provolone cheese
16–20 pepperoni slices
¼ cup thick pizza sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Extra pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until combined.
Arrange the bread slices on a clean work surface.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the inside of each bread slice. Avoid using too much sauce because it can make the sandwich soggy.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar or provolone over two slices of bread.
Arrange the pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the pepperoni. Adding cheese on both sides helps hold the sandwich together.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and remaining Italian seasoning over the cheese.
Place the remaining bread slices on top with the pizza-sauce sides facing inward.
Spread the garlic butter over the outside of the top bread slices.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered sides facing down.
Spread garlic butter over the exposed top sides of the bread.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the bottoms are crisp and golden brown.
Carefully turn the sandwiches with a wide spatula. Cook the second side for another 3–5 minutes, until golden and the cheese is completely melted.
If the bread browns before the cheese melts, reduce the heat and cover the skillet for one minute. The trapped heat will help melt the cheese.
Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1–2 minutes.
Cut each sandwich diagonally and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips

Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread becomes too dark.
Use thick pizza sauce instead of thin pasta sauce to prevent soggy bread.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.
Place cheese on both sides of the pepperoni to help hold the filling together.
For crispier pepperoni, cook it in the skillet for one minute before assembling the sandwich.
Do not overfill the sandwiches, or the cheese may spill into the pan.
Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking, but do not flatten it completely.

Variations

Vegetable Pizza Grilled Cheese:
Replace the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach.

Meat Lovers’ Version:
Add cooked crumbled sausage, bacon, or chopped ham.

Spicy Version:
Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot honey.

Margherita Version:
Use fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Hawaiian Version:
Replace the pepperoni with chopped ham and well-drained pineapple pieces.

Air-Fryer Instructions

Assemble the sandwiches as directed.
Place them in the air-fryer basket in a single layer.
Air-fry at 370°F (188°C) for 4 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until crisp and melted.

Cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer.

Storage

Pizza Grilled Cheese is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or in the oven until hot and crisp. Microwaving is not recommended because the bread may become soft.