This Easy Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic! With gooey cheese and zesty pizza sauce, it’s like having a slice of pizza and a grilled cheese in one delicious bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: You can use any bread you like, but a crusty white or whole wheat bread gives a lovely crunch. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free bread which works just as well!
Butter: Butter adds flavor and crispness. If you prefer a lighter option, use olive oil or a non-dairy alternative like vegan butter. Both will help achieve a nice golden toast.
Pizza Sauce: Using pizza sauce gives that authentic flavor. If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara works too. You could also make your own by mixing crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning!
C Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for that stretchy goodness! Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist on flavor.
Pepperoni: While I love a few pepperoni slices, you can skip them for a veggie version or use any cooked meats like ham or turkey. Black olives or spinach can also be great toppings!
How Can I Achieve the Perfectly Crispy Toast?
Getting that golden and crispy exterior is key for a great grilled cheese. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat. Too high, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts!
- Butter each slice evenly. This helps achieve a beautiful crust that’s crunchier.
- Cook slowly. If the bread gets too dark too quickly, lower the heat to give the cheese time to melt inside.
- Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while cooking; this helps everything meld together.
Let your sandwich rest for a minute after cooking. This prevents the cheese from spilling out when you slice into it!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10-12 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- Additional pizza toppings (optional, e.g., sliced olives, diced bell peppers)
- Ranch dressing or extra pizza sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious combo takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 7-8 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal ready within 20 minutes. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a satisfying snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Skillet:
Start by preheating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. This is crucial to get the perfect golden-crisp finish on your grilled cheese.
2. Butter the Bread:
Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help create a crunchy, delicious crust.
3. Build Your Sandwich:
Place two slices of bread, butter side down, onto the skillet. Spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each of these slices.
4. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce to create a cheesy layer. Then, add the pepperoni slices (if you’re using them) and any other toppings you’ve chosen. Top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Complete Your Sandwich:
Now, take the remaining slices of bread and place them on top, butter side up, to close your sandwich.
6. Cook the Sandwich:
Let it cook on the skillet until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy—around 3-4 minutes. Then, carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula. Cook the other side until it’s also golden and the cheese inside is melty, which should take about 3 minutes.
7. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute before slicing (this helps the cheese stay intact). Serve warm with ranch dressing or extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Dig in and enjoy this gooey, melty grilled cheese with all the yummy flavors of pizza!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that gooey texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or even cooked sausage or bacon. Just keep in mind that adding too many toppings can make the sandwich hard to flip!
Can I Make This Grilled Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sandwich assembly in advance! Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you are ready to eat, cook it as instructed, and you’ll have a quick meal ready in no time!
