Description
This pizza grilled cheese combines two of the best comfort foods into one irresistible sandwich—crispy, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and all your favorite pizza toppings.
There’s something about the simple joy of grilled cheese that never gets old. Maybe it’s the golden, buttery crust, or the satisfying stretch of melted cheese when you pull it apart. Add in the bold, nostalgic flavors of pizza—garlic, herbs, marinara, and gooey mozzarella—and you’ve got a match made in comfort food heaven.
This pizza grilled cheese is one of those magical “what can I make fast?” recipes that somehow turns into an all-time favorite. It started in our house as a weeknight “empty-the-fridge” dinner—leftover cheese, a half-used jar of marinara, and a couple of sandwich slices. But once we tasted the first crispy, cheesy bite, it was clear this needed to be a permanent part of the rotation.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or Italian)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices turkey pepperoni or chopped cooked beef sausage (optional)
- Optional: sliced olives, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor
Instructions
- 1. Prep your ingredients:
Start by laying out all your fillings. Mix the oregano and garlic powder into the marinara sauce for extra pizza flavor. - 2. Butter the bread:
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. These will be the outsides of your sandwich—the key to that golden, crisp crust. - 3. Assemble the sandwiches:
On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread a spoonful of the marinara mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and your choice of toppings—pepperoni, sausage, or veggies. Spoon a little more marinara on top if you like it saucy, then place the second slice of bread (buttered side facing out) on top. - 4. Grill to golden perfection:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula. Cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted. - 5. Serve hot and melty:
Let the sandwich cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve. Great with extra marinara for dipping!
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. It’s also great for using up leftover marinara or pizza night extras. Try dipping in ranch or garlic sauce for a fun twist!
Nutrition
- Calories: 430