Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fun, and fully customizable. I get the crunch of toasted bread, the stretch of gooey mozzarella, and the bold punch of pizza sauce and pepperoni—all in one handheld bite. It’s a great way to satisfy pizza cravings without turning on the oven. And since I can swap out toppings, it never gets boring.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 slices of bread (your choice)

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup pizza sauce

• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. I spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread.

3. I place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the skillet.

4. I evenly layer shredded mozzarella over the bread.

5. I spoon the pizza sauce on top of the cheese, then add the pepperoni slices and sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

6. I place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.

7. I cook the sandwich for 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.

8. I flip it carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the other side is golden and the cheese is melted.

9. I remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice it in half and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 13 minutes

Variations

• For a veggie version, I like adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives inside the sandwich.

• I sometimes swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

• If I’m feeling spicy, I sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes or use hot pepperoni.

• Garlic lovers might enjoy brushing the bread with garlic butter instead of plain butter.

• For a crispier texture, I sometimes grill the sandwich in a panini press.

Storage/Reheating

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, right off the skillet while the cheese is still gooey. If I have leftovers (rare, but it happens), I store them wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, I place it back in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again. I avoid microwaving—it makes the bread too soft.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced sandwich cheese instead of shredded?

Yes, I can. I just layer the slices evenly and make sure they melt thoroughly—shredded cheese tends to melt more evenly, but both work.

What kind of bread is best?

I usually use white or sourdough bread for a classic feel, but whole wheat, ciabatta, or even Texas toast work beautifully.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, if I’m making a few at once, I assemble the sandwiches and bake them at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

I use a light hand with the pizza sauce—just enough to flavor, not soak the bread. Pre-toasting the bread can also help if I’m packing it to-go.

Is it kid-friendly?

Definitely. This is a hit with kids, and I often let them choose their own toppings to stuff inside—makes it more fun and personal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese is a simple, crave-worthy recipe that brings together everything I love about pizza and grilled cheese. It’s melty, crispy, and loaded with bold flavor—all made in just a few minutes on the stovetop. Whether I’m cooking for one or whipping up a quick lunch for the family, this one’s always a win.