Make the best Pizza Grilled Cheese: a sandwich with a crisp, pizza-flavored parmesan crust on the outside and plenty of melty mozzarella, pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings), and seasoned pizza sauce on the inside. This comforting, family-friendly sandwich comes together in about 15 minutes and is sure to become a fast favorite.
Why this recipe is the best
After making my own pizza seasoning, I started imagining all the ways to bring pizza flavor into other dishes—and pizza grilled cheese was an obvious winner. This sandwich marries two of the best cheesy comfort foods: pizza and grilled cheese. The result is irresistible.
When developing the recipe I wanted more than simply stuffing mozzarella and pepperoni between slices of bread. I wanted the pizza flavor throughout, so I created a seasoned parmesan “pizza butter” that crisps up on the outside, while the inside stays gooey and full of classic pizza flavors.
- Cheese inside and out. The sandwich is filled with melty mozzarella and sealed with a parmesan-pizza seasoning butter on the exterior for a crunchy, savory crust.
- 15-minute comfort food. These sandwiches are fast — ready in less time than ordering takeout — making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
- Totally customizable. Swap pepperoni for roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or extra cheese to make the sandwich your own. It’s pizza in sandwich form, so dress it however you like.
Ingredients
Below are the best ingredient choices for this pizza grilled cheese and a few substitution ideas. For precise measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Sourdough bread – I prefer thick slices of sourdough because they hold up well and give great texture. If using a standard white loaf, you’ll need more slices.
- Butter – Use softened butter so it mixes easily with parmesan and seasoning to create the pizza butter. Leave it at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to soften before starting.
- Parmesan cheese – Finely grated parmesan works best and crisps nicely when cooked.
- Pizza seasoning – A blend of dried herbs and spices lends classic pizza flavor. If you don’t have a homemade blend on hand, a good Italian seasoning will work as a substitute.
- Pizza sauce – Use your favorite jarred pizza or marinara sauce for quick assembly.
- Mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully and tastes great in this sandwich.
- Pepperoni (optional) – Add pepperoni or swap in other pizza toppings like roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh basil to vary the flavor.
Instructions
These steps walk you through making pizza grilled cheese quickly and consistently. A griddle or large skillet works best to get an even golden crust.
- Make the pizza butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, grated parmesan, and one tablespoon of pizza seasoning. Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- Season the sauce: Stir the remaining tablespoon of pizza seasoning into the pizza sauce to boost its flavor.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place four slices of bread in the pan with the buttered side down. Top each slice with about 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, a few pepperoni slices (or chosen toppings), a tablespoon of seasoned pizza sauce, and another 1/4 cup mozzarella. Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing out.
- Cook: Cook the sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to help the sandwich heat through evenly.
Serve hot with extra pizza sauce or a garlic-parmesan dipping sauce for more flavor. Because the sandwich is at its best right off the griddle, make only as many as you plan to eat immediately.
Recipe notes
Swap or omit toppings. Leave out the pepperoni or replace it with roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, fresh basil, or caramelized onions to make vegetarian or specialty versions. If using jarred roasted peppers, pat them dry so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
Storage: Any leftover pizza butter or seasoned pizza sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat sandwiches briefly in a skillet or oven so the crust regains its crispness.
What to serve with it
This rich, cheesy sandwich pairs well with a simple green salad to brighten the meal. A classic Caesar or an Italian-style salad are great choices. For a cozy pairing, serve the sandwich with roasted tomato soup for dipping—think grilled cheese and tomato soup with a pizza twist.
More sandwich recipes
If you enjoy this pizza grilled cheese, try other hearty sandwiches such as pastrami, turkey pesto, a classic Reuben, or a bacon-tomato-avocado grilled cheese for more inspiration.
Pastrami Sandwich
Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Reuben Sandwich
Bacon Tomato Avocado Grilled Cheese
Pizza Grilled Cheese
4 servings
7 minutes
8 minutes
15 minutes
Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread, or 8 slices white bread
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pizza seasoning, divided
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- 8 ounces low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella, shredded
- 12 pepperoni slices, optional
Instructions
- Combine softened butter with grated parmesan and 1 tablespoon of pizza seasoning. Spread the mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
- Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon of pizza seasoning into the pizza sauce.
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place four slices of bread butter-side down. On each slice layer ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (or chosen toppings), 1 tablespoon seasoned pizza sauce, and another ¼ cup mozzarella. Top each with the remaining slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side, or until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Remove and serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice size matters: If your sourdough has very large slices, four pieces may make two large sandwiches that can be cut to serve four. With standard sandwich bread, use eight slices instead.
- Soften the butter: Set butter out 30–60 minutes before mixing so it blends smoothly with the parmesan and seasoning.
- Topping swaps: Try roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, sliced olives, fresh basil, or caramelized onions to vary the flavor profile or create a vegetarian version.
Nutrition Facts
Did you make this recipe?
If you try it, consider leaving feedback so others can find and enjoy the recipe.