Go Back

Pizza Grilled Cheese

Pizza grilled cheese is a crispy, pan-grilled sandwich stuffed with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce for melty pulls. Cook on medium heat until both sides turn golden and the cheese fully melts, then dip in warm marinara.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

bread
  • 8 bread Use sandwich slices.
butter
  • 0.25 cup Butter for grilling Use enough for even browning.
mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 cup 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Shred fresh if possible.
pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup 1 cup pepperoni slices Slice thickness impacts melt time.
pizza sauce
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup pizza sauce Use a spoonful per sandwich.
Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Sprinkle evenly over the filling.
marinara sauce for dipping
  • 0.5 cup Marinara sauce for dipping Warm before serving.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Assemble the sandwiches
  1. Butter one side of each bread slice so it browns as it grills.
  2. On the unbuttered side, layer mozzarella, pepperoni, a spoonful of pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning for even coverage.
  3. Top each filled slice with a second bread slice, buttered-side out, pressing lightly so the fillings stay inside.
Grill and serve
  1. Grill on medium heat (or a panini press) for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese visibly melts.
  2. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

For the meltiest center, keep the heat at medium and avoid pressing too hard during cooking so the cheese doesn’t escape. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet over medium-low until hot; freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a lower-carb option, use thin-sliced bread or a low-carb bread alternative and proceed the same way.