Description

This crispy pizza grilled cheese combines the gooey, melty comfort of grilled cheese with all the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for family meals, snacks, or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices thick-cut white or sourdough bread (about 160g)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28g)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (110g)
2 slices provolone cheese (about 40g)
16–20 slices pepperoni (about 40g; regular or turkey)
4 tablespoons pizza sauce (60g)
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (12g, optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for topping)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for topping)
Extra pizza sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

Gather all ingredients and equipment. Soften butter for easy spreading. If slicing your own bread, cut to about 3/4-inch thickness.
In a small bowl, mix butter and garlic powder until smooth and spreadable.
Lay out bread slices. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on one side of each slice. Place two slices, butter side down, on a cutting board. Spread 1 tablespoon pizza sauce on each, then layer with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 slice provolone, and 8-10 slices pepperoni. Top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated parmesan onto the buttered top of each sandwich, if using.
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Place sandwiches in the pan, parmesan side down if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden and crispy. Flip, sprinkle remaining parmesan on the new top side, and cook another 3-4 minutes. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly.
If cheese isn’t melted but bread is browned, cover pan loosely with a lid or foil for 1-2 minutes to finish melting.
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board or cooling rack. Let rest 1 minute, then slice and serve hot with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Notes

For gluten-free, use sturdy GF bread. For vegetarian, omit pepperoni or use plant-based. Use medium or medium-low heat for best results. Don’t overload with cheese or sauce to avoid sogginess. Keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven on a rack if making a batch. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or skillet for crispiness.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 475
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 950
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 22

Keywords: pizza grilled cheese, pepperoni melt, crispy grilled cheese, easy lunch, kid-friendly, comfort food, skillet sandwich, mozzarella, provolone, pizza sandwich