• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Scarlati Family Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Meet Amanda
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Meet Amanda
  • Subscribe
  • Work with Me
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Meet Amanda
    • Subscribe
    • Work with Me
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Every Day Dinners

    Pizza Grilled Cheese

    Published: Sep 13, 2021 · Modified: Jun 15, 2023 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe
    pizza grilled cheese with pepperoni cut in half and stacked on each other.
    pizza grilled cheese with pepperoni cut in half and stacked on each other.

    This tasty pizza grilled cheese is the best comfort food mash up! Made with garlic bread, marinara sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, this super gooey sandwich is perfect for both kids and adults!

    pepperoni pizza grilled cheese cut in half and stack on top of each other.

    This post was originally published in January 2018 and has been updated for content.

    Trying to stay creative with meals that my kids don't get sick of can be overwhelming, to say the least.

    This pizza grilled cheese recipe is fun twist on the classic sandwich. It's a gooey piece of pizza, in sandwich form! I love doing fun mash up recipes like this or my carbonara mac and cheese.

    These easy grilled cheese sandwiches are great for lunches, after-school snack or easy dinner. Cut the sandwiches into quarters for fun party snacks!

    Serve this gooey grilled cheese sandwich recipe with a bowl of creamy tomato soup, mac and cheese or some crispy potato wedges!

    Jump to:
    • 🍕 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Step by step instructions
    • ⭐ Expert tips
    • 🥘 Alternative cooking methods
    • 🥡 Storage suggestions
    • 🍕 More pizza recipes
    • #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍕 Ingredient notes

    cheese, pepperoni, italian seasoning, garlic powder, marinara, butter and bread on a sheet pan.
    • Bread - White bread or texas toast are the best type of bread for grilled cheese. French or Italian bread, ciabatta bread or bagels make for fun alternatives!
    • Cheese - Shredded mozzarella is the type of cheese I prefer for this delicious sandwich. It's gooey, melts easily and is also the most like regular pizza. Add some ricotta or cream cheese for an even more gooey cheese sandwich. Provolone is also a great option!
    • Sauce - I like using my old school Italian gravy for this, however any marinara or pizza sauce will work.
    • Pepperoni - I prefer using mini slices of pepperoni because they have a tendency to stay on the sandwich best. For larger slices, cut them into smaller pieces and layer them with the cheese.

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    • Toppings - Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as grilled veggies, Italian sausage or mini meatballs!
    • Dairy Free - Use a dairy free plant based mozzarella cheese and also butter. Cook the sandwiches on low heat to prevent burning as dairy free cheese typically takes longer to melt.

    🔪 Step by step instructions

    First, spread the side of each slice of bread with unsalted butter and sprinkle with both the garlic powder and italian seasoning.

    knife spreading butter on bread and buttered bread sprinkled with garlic powder and italian seasoning.

    Spread the buttered slices of bread with the marinara and then top four of the bread slices with both cheese and pepperoni.

    spreading marinara on bread and slices of bread topped with cheese and pepperoni.

    Place the top piece of bread on top so the outside of the bread has butter and the toppings are in the middle.

    Preheat a griddle pan or electric griddle to medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for about 2-3 minutes on each side till golden brown and the cheese is melted.

    pizza grilled cheese with mozzarella and pepperoni uncooked and then browned on a skillet.

    If you ever don't recognize a tool or skill that I mention, be sure to look it up in our Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information.

    Go to Glossary

    ⭐ Expert tips

    • Make sure to spread the butter from crust to crust for even browning.
    • Press down the pepperoni slices and cheese into the bread with marinara to help make sure they stick and don't fall out.
    • If the outsides of the sandwiches are browned and the cheese is not melting, then reduce to medium-low heat and place a pot lid on top of the sandwich. This will help create more heat for the cheese to melt without the sandwich burning.
    pizza grilled cheese pulled apart in a the middle with cheese stringing from it

    🥘 Alternative cooking methods

    • Oven Baked - Assemble the sandwiches as directed and then place on a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 350˚ for 10-15 minutes, flipping half way through, until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown. Place sandwiches under the broiler for 30-60 seconds for additional browning if needed.
    • Air Fryer - Assemble the sandwiches as directed and then place in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375˚ for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

    🥡 Storage suggestions

    Leftover sandwiches will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in frying pan on a stovetop, under the broiler or also in the air fryer.

    🍕 More pizza recipes

    If you loved this easy recipe for pizza grilled cheese sandwiches, check out these other pizza recipes that I know you will love too!

    • Pizza Bread
    • Italian Flatbread Pizzas
    • Homemade Breakfast Pizza
    • Cast Iron Pizza Recipe

    #ScarlatiFamilyKitchen

    If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and give it a rating. I love to hear from each and every one of you! Tag me on Facebook and Instagram as well! It makes my day to see all of your photos of the food you have made.

    📖 Recipe

    pepperoni pizza grilled cheese cut in half and stacked on each other

    Pizza Grilled Cheese

    Amanda
    This tasty pizza grilled cheese is the best comfort food mash up! Made with garlic bread, marinara sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, this super gooey sandwich is perfect for both kids and adults!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Dishes, Snacks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 424 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 slices white bread
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
    • ½ cup italian gravy marinara or pizza sauce
    • 1 ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • ½ cup mini pepperoni slices

    Instructions
     

    • Spread softened butter on one side of each of the slices of bread and sprinkle each buttered side with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
    • Spread the sauce old school italian gravyon the inside of each of the slices of buttered bread and then sprinkle the cheese and pepperoni on the top of the sauce on four of the slices.
    • Add the remaining slices of buttered bread with the sauce on top of the slices of bread with the toppings. The buttered sides should be facing out with the sauce, cheese and pepperoni in the middle.
    • Preheat a grilled pan or electric griddle over medium low heat. Cook sandwiches for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

    Notes

      • Spread butter from crust to crust for even browning.
      • Press pepperoni slices and cheese into the bread so they stick and don't fall out.
      • If the outsides of the sandwiches are browned and the cheese is not melting, then reduce heat and place a pot lid on top of the sandwich. 
     

    Substitutions and Variations

      • Bread - Use texas toast, French or Italian bread, ciabatta bread or bagels
      • Cheese - Add ricotta or cream cheese for a more gooey sandwich. Provolone is also a great option!
      • Sauce - Any marinara or pizza sauce will work.
      • Pepperoni - Mini pepperoni stay best on the sandwich. Larger slices can be cut into smaller pieces and layered with the cheese.
      • Toppings - Add your favorite pizza toppings, such as grilled veggies, Italian sausage or mini meatballs!
      • Dairy Free - Use a dairy free plant based mozzarella cheese and also butter. Cook the sandwiches on low heat to prevent burning because dairy free cheese typically takes longer to melt.
     

    Alternative Cooking Methods

      • Oven Baked - Assemble the sandwiches as directed and place on a sheet pan. Bake at 350˚ for 10-15 minutes, flipping half way through, until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown. Place sandwiches under the broiler for 30-60 seconds for additional browning if needed.
      • Air Fryer - Assemble the sandwiches as directed and then place in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375˚ for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
     

    Storage Instructions

    Leftover sandwiches will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in frying pan on a stovetop, under the broiler or also in the air fryer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 17gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 891mgPotassium: 238mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 740IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 333mgIron: 3mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @scarlatifamilykitchen or tag #scarlatifamilykitchen!

    More Every Day Dinner Recipes

    • skillet of linguine with red sauce and seafood in it topped with fresh parsley.
      Linguine Frutti di Mare
    • three balls on a pizza dough on a table with oil in a glass container behind.
      Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
    • Chicago Hot Dog Recipe
    • shrimp and tomato sauce with linguine and chopped parsley in a cast iron skillet with tongs.
      Shrimp Fra Diavolo

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Elizabeth

      September 15, 2021 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      So delicious! Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 15, 2021 at 3:21 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    2. Swathi

      September 14, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Gooey pizza with grilled cheese so yumm.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 14, 2021 at 1:35 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Luca

      September 14, 2021 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      This is such a perfect snack and it feels like the perfect Sunday evening food!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 14, 2021 at 1:35 pm

        I agree! Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      September 14, 2021 at 1:30 am

      5 stars
      My mouth is literally watering. I wish this were in front of me.

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 14, 2021 at 8:42 am

        thank you so much!

        Reply
    5. Jamie

      September 13, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      My niece loves this! Perfect for lunch!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        Awesome, so happy to hear that!

        Reply
    6. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings

      September 13, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      OMG I am so into all things pizza flavored. These are delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Rob

      September 13, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      Pizza, grilled cheese, pepperoni! Best of all worlds!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        Agreed!

        Reply
    8. Andréa Janssen

      September 13, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    9. Jill

      September 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      These were the perfect after school snack for my kids!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        My kids love them for after school snacks too!

        Reply
    10. Jeri

      September 13, 2021 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      What a fun spin on grilled cheese sandwiches! We liked these MUCH better! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Amanda

        September 13, 2021 at 5:00 pm

        Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it, thank you for trying the recipe!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! I love creating delicious, from scratch Italian inspired recipes to bring my family together. More about me →

    From Scratch Essentials

    • loaf of cut bread resting on a whole loaf with slices around and dipping oil.
      Homemade Crusty Italian Bread
    • ladle holding chicken stock over a large pot with vegetables and stock in it.
      Homemade Chicken Stock
    • meatballs in red sauce on top of spaghetti sprinkled with parsley and grated cheese.
      Oven Baked Italian Meatballs Recipe
    • fresh italian gnocchi shaped on a floured gold sheet pan before cooking.
      Easy Italian Gnocchi Recipe
    • three balls on a pizza dough on a table with oil in a glass container behind.
      Easy Pizza Dough Recipe
    • tomato bacon jam in a mason jar with a spoonful next to it on crinkled paper.
      Tomato Bacon Jam

    Seasonal Recipes

    • buffalo chicken dip in a bowl topped with blue cheese and green onions.
      Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
    • hand dipping bread bite topped with cheese into marinara.
      Parmesan Bread Bites
    • pappardelle pasta with short rib ragu on a gray plate with a fork in it.
      Beef Short Rib Ragu Recipe
    • crispy chicken wings in a dish with garlic butter and parmesan cheese and parsley.
      Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
    • bowl of italian wedding soup and spinach with shredded parmesan cheese on top.
      Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
    • baking dish with apple cinnamon rolls topped with caramel frosting next to fresh apples
      Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Frosting

    Footer

    Trending Recipes

    Here are our tried, tested and true, most popular recipes that our readers love to create time and time again.

    • piece of layered meat lasagna with ricotta on a white plate in front of a white dish
      Classic Italian Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese
    • white ceramic bowl full of old school italian gravy sauce
      Old School Italian Gravy
    • Easy One Pot Chicken and Rice
    • white plate with baked eggplant parmesan
      No Fry Eggplant Parmesan
    • banana bread in a loaf pan with white and blue towels holding it
      Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt
    • pan of crepe italian manicotti topped with sauce, grated cheese and chopped parsley.
      Authentic Italian Manicotti Recipe

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Meet Amanda
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Shop

    Contact

    • Contact Us
    • Client Inquiry Form

    Disclaimers

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures

    copyright © 2023 Scarlati Family Kitchen | all rights reserved