Savory Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A quick and easy sandwich combining the best parts of pizza and grilled cheese with crispy golden crust, melty cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices sturdy sandwich bread (sourdough or Italian preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato-based pizza sauce
- 6–8 pepperoni slices (optional)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle
- Fresh basil or oregano leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Shred 1 cup mozzarella cheese and grate a small handful of Parmesan. Lay out two slices of bread.
- Spread 1 tablespoon softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice; these will be the outside of the sandwich.
- On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce evenly and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
- Layer half the mozzarella over the sauce, arrange 6-8 pepperoni slices evenly, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and add fresh basil or oregano if using.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
- Warm a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is melted. Cover briefly with a lid if needed.
- Check that the sandwich is crispy outside and gooey inside; cook a minute longer on low heat if cheese isn’t fully melted.
- Remove from pan, let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve hot.
Notes
Use medium-low heat to melt cheese without burning bread. Butter the bread evenly for a golden crust. Cover pan briefly after flipping to speed melting. For extra crispiness, sprinkle Parmesan on the outside before cooking. Toast thick bread slightly before assembling to avoid sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating to keep texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 20
Keywords: grilled cheese, pizza sandwich, quick lunch, easy recipe, savory sandwich, mozzarella, pepperoni, pizza sauce