Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese

This ultimate Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the gooey comfort of grilled cheese with the zesty flavors of pizza. The garlic butter adds a restaurant-quality touch to this simple sandwich that both kids and adults find irresistible. It has become my go-to solution whenever I want pizza flavors but don't have time to make a proper pie.

I created this recipe during a busy weeknight when my kids were craving pizza but delivery would take too long. The excitement on their faces when they bit into these crispy, cheesy sandwiches made this an instant family classic.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Provides the perfect base for our flavored spread without making the sandwich too salty
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp umami flavor that enhances the pizza experience
• Garlic powder: Infuses the butter with aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic
• Dried Italian seasoning: Brings authentic pizza flavors with minimal effort
• White bread: Works best for achieving that crispy golden exterior while letting the fillings shine
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy pizza pull we all love
• Pepperoni: Delivers classic pizza flavor and adds a pleasant spiciness
• Pizza sauce: For dipping completes the pizza experience with its tangy tomato goodness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pizza Butter:

Mix the softened butter with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until completely combined. The butter should be very soft but not melted for the easiest spreading. This flavored butter is what transforms a regular grilled cheese into a pizza experience.

Prepare the Bread:

Spread the pizza butter mixture generously on one side of each bread slice. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor and even browning. Lay all the bread slices butter side up on a sheet tray while you prepare to cook them.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Place one bread slice butter side down in a skillet over medium low heat. Layer with one slice of mozzarella, followed by pepperoni, another slice of cheese, more pepperoni, and a final layer of cheese. This strategic layering ensures the pepperoni heats through and the cheese melts completely around it.

Cook to Golden Perfection:

Top with another slice of bread, butter side facing up. Cook until the bottom is a beautiful golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip carefully using a spatula and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is completely melted.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut diagonally if desired and serve immediately while the cheese is still gloriously melty. Offer warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping, which adds the familiar tangy tomato flavor that makes pizza so irresistible.

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The garlic parmesan butter is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once made these sandwiches for my son's basketball team, and even the pickiest eaters devoured them. The butter creates such a gorgeous golden crust that elevates this from a simple sandwich to something special.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization with your favorite pizza toppings. Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives between the cheese layers. For meat lovers, cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or bacon bits work beautifully. Just remember not to overstuff, as the sandwich needs to compress enough to melt the cheese thoroughly.

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Perfect Pairings

Serve these sandwiches with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete pizza parlor experience, offer garlic knots on the side. During colder months, pairing with a cup of tomato soup creates a cozy meal that satisfies both pizza and grilled cheese cravings simultaneously.

Storage and Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, these sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium low heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwave reheating which will make the bread soggy. The pizza butter mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week, making weeknight preparation even faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute white bread with sourdough, wheat, or even artisan bread for a different texture and flavor.

→ What can I use instead of pepperoni?

You can swap pepperoni with sliced salami, cooked bacon, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

→ How can I make this with less butter?

You can reduce the butter amount or use olive oil as a lighter alternative to spread on the bread before toasting.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the butter mixture and assemble the sandwiches in advance, then cook them when ready to serve.

→ What dipping sauces work well besides pizza sauce?

Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing are great alternatives to pizza sauce for dipping.