Pizza Grilled Cheese is a crispy, golden sandwich filled with the melty, savory flavors of your favorite pizza, perfect for when you’re craving something comforting yet easy to make. If you’re looking for a snack that’s deliciously cheesy with a satisfying crunch, you’ve come to the right place. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the gooey, stretchy cheese of a pizza and the buttery crispiness of a classic grilled cheese.

The addition of Italian seasoning and marinara sauce takes it over the top, making it a pizza lover’s dream. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of pepperoni or traditional pizza toppings; you can easily adjust the fillings to suit your taste, and it’ll still be deliciously satisfying.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula
Butter knife
Measuring spoons

Ingredients Overview

Bread: Choose hearty, thick-sliced bread, like sourdough or Italian, for the best texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella works beautifully for that classic stretch, but shredded mozzarella also melts perfectly.
Marinara Sauce: Adds that essential pizza flavor. A jarred sauce or homemade works equally well.
Butter: Essential for achieving the crispy, golden exterior.
Italian Seasoning: Enhances the pizza flavor. You can use a blend or create your own with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on the buttered sides for an extra layer of flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich: Lay a slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the other side. Top with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, adding any additional pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers if desired. Add a little extra marinara on top of the cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Slice the sandwich in half, and serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

Use Low Heat: Cooking on medium-low ensures the cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread.
Add Toppings Carefully: Keep toppings thinly sliced to avoid making the sandwich too bulky, which can prevent even cooking.
Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, adding a little Parmesan or provolone adds great flavor.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pizza Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, Caesar salad, or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. For a fun touch, serve with a side of marinara or pesto for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While thick bread works best, you can use any bread you enjoy. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if it’s thinner.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a bit of Parmesan along with mozzarella for a richer taste.

Can I make this in a toaster oven or air fryer?

Yes, either appliance can work well; just watch closely for browning and turn halfway if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra marinara for dipping and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor. Pair with a bowl of tomato basil soup or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

2 slices of thick bread (sourdough or Italian)
1 tbsp butter, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 2-3 slices fresh mozzarella)
2 tbsp marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional toppings: sliced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or fresh basil

Instructions

Prep Bread: Butter one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Assemble: Place one slice buttered side down in skillet. Spread marinara on the other side, top with cheese, optional toppings, and second bread slice (buttered side up).
Cook: Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cheese melts.
Serve: Slice and enjoy with marinara dipping sauce.