Grilled Pizza Cheese Recipe
If you’re looking to level up grilled cheese night, meet your new obsession: Grilled Pizza Cheese. Imagine all the gooey, stretchy magic of a classic cheese melt, then add layers of pepperoni, zesty pizza sauce, and a kiss of Italian herbs. Each bite is a nostalgia-trigger — crisp buttery bread, bubbling cheese, and the unmistakable taste of your favorite slice, but sandwiched for pure handheld joy. If you love comfort food or want to surprise friends with a crowd-pleaser, this dish packs all the fun (and flavor) of pizza into your skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Pizza Cheese is how just a handful of simple ingredients become something out-of-this-world delicious. Every item brings its own flair, from the aromatic butter blend to those melty cheeses and smoky pepperoni.
- Melted salted butter (sweet cream), 6 tablespoons: The backbone of that golden, crispy crust; make sure it’s real butter for depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, 2 cups (freshly grated): Classic pizza stretch and body, melts evenly and adds mild richness.
- Onion powder, 1 teaspoon: A subtle savor that balances the richness and boosts the sauce’s flavor.
- Pizza sauce, 8 tablespoons: Sweet, tangy, and herby—don’t skimp, go for your favorite for max “pizza” effect.
- Regular pepperoni, 48 slices: Smoky and spicy, these are the ultimate pizza topping for every sandwich bite.
- Soft Italian sandwich bread, 8 slices: Light, airy texture ready for that signature crispy, buttery finish.
- Smoked provolone cheese, 8 slices: Provides excellent melt and a subtle smoky note—crucial for balanced “pizza” flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds depth to the butter for a more complex flavor and extra crispy exterior.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon (dried): Delivers aromatic herbs that give those pizzeria vibes in every bite.
How to Make Grilled Pizza Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Butter Sauce
Start by stirring together the melted butter, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, and onion powder in a small bowl. This isn’t your average sandwich spread—it infuses every bite of Grilled Pizza Cheese with serious herby, savory aroma.
Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet
Place a large nonstick skillet (around 10 to 12 inches wide) over medium heat. You want the surface hot and ready, but not smoking, to achieve that irresistible golden crust without burning the bread.
Step 3: Butter and Toast the Bread
Brush one side of two slices of Italian sandwich bread with the herby butter sauce, then lay them in the preheated pan, buttered side down. The sizzling sound is your cue you’re on the road to Grilled Pizza Cheese greatness!
Step 4: Add the Pizza Toppings
Spread about two tablespoons of pizza sauce over the bread in the skillet. Then, build your layers: a slice of smoked provolone, a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, 12 slices of pepperoni, a little more mozzarella for good measure, and another slice of provolone. Every stack is loaded with that unmistakable pizza flavor.
Step 5: Seal and Grill the Sandwich
Top with the second bread slice, buttered side facing upward. Press the sandwich slightly, and let it cook for three to four minutes on one side. Flip it gently (a big spatula is your friend here), and grill for another three to four minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. The bread should be deeply golden and the cheese gloriously gooey.
Step 6: Slice and Serve Immediately
Once your Grilled Pizza Cheese sandwiches are crisp-edged and bubbling inside, transfer them to a cutting board, slice in half, and serve right away. The melty cheese pull and aroma will have everyone running to the table—trust me.
How to Serve Grilled Pizza Cheese
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for color, add a dusting of grated parmesan, or serve with a side of warm pizza sauce for dunking. These little extras make each Grilled Pizza Cheese sandwich feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Pizza Cheese with a crisp Caesar salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or even garlic parmesan fries. The balance of flavors—fresh greens, zesty soup, or crispy potatoes—turn this sandwich into a meal that satisfies all your pizza cravings and then some.
Creative Ways to Present
Go family-style by slicing several sandwiches into triangles and arranging them on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces. For a party, try making mini versions with slider buns and serve on a big board loaded with antipasto. Grilled Pizza Cheese is a showstopper whether you’re going casual or all-out festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Pizza Cheese is rare, but if you have any, let the sandwiches cool completely before wrapping them in foil or placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. This way, you can enjoy Grilled Pizza Cheese whenever the craving hits with minimal fuss.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or frozen sandwiches in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and cheese is melty again. For crisp edges, skip the microwave—your oven or even an air fryer will bring Grilled Pizza Cheese back to its original bubbly glory.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella and provolone?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and provolone deliver that classic pizza pull and smoky depth, feel free to swap in cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different twist on Grilled Pizza Cheese. Mixing cheeses is half the fun.
What’s the best bread for Grilled Pizza Cheese?
Soft Italian sandwich bread is ideal for its light crumb and ability to toast beautifully, but you can use sourdough, French, or another sturdy loaf. Just make sure slices are thick enough to hold all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Can I make Grilled Pizza Cheese without pepperoni?
Of course! It’s easy to create a vegetarian version by simply omitting the pepperoni or replacing it with grilled veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a fresh and flavorful option.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Medium heat is key—this allows the cheese to melt fully while the bread achieves that crisp, golden finish. If you find the bread browning too quickly, lower your heat and flip more often for even cooking.
Can I make these sandwiches in a panini press?
Definitely! A panini press will give your Grilled Pizza Cheese beautiful grill marks and an ultra-crispy crust. Just assemble as directed and press until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted.
Final Thoughts
You have to experience the unforgettable combination that is Grilled Pizza Cheese. It’s the kind of dish that instantly brings people together and delivers maximum comfort with every cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-packed bite. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your skillet, gather your favorite people, and share the love one sandwich at a time!
Print
Grilled Pizza Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious recipe for Grilled Pizza Cheese sandwiches. With layers of gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, these sandwiches are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices soft Italian sandwich bread
- 8 slices smoked provolone cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly grated (1/2 cup per sandwich)
- 8 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 48 slices regular pepperoni (12 pieces per sandwich)
Instructions
- Mix butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, Italian herbs, and onion powder.
- Warm up pan: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Prepare bread: Brush one side of two bread slices with the butter sauce and place them in the skillet, butter side down.
- Layer ingredients: Spread pizza sauce on each slice, top with provolone, mozzarella, pepperoni, more mozzarella, and another provolone slice. Cover with the remaining bread slice, buttered side up.
- Cook sandwiches: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve: Cut sandwiches in half and enjoy while hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1260mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Grilled Pizza Cheese, Sandwich Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Grilled Cheese
