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Easy & Cheesy Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Craving pizza but want something quick? These Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are pure comfort food magic, combining gooey cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce inside a crispy, garlic-buttery grilled cheese. Ready in under 15 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 8 slices sturdy bread sourdough, Texas toast, or good quality white bread
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese freshly shredded is best
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni mini pepperonis are fun
  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • Large non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Make the garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Mix until combined.
  2. Step 2: Spread the garlic butter evenly over one side of each of the 8 bread slices.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Place four slices of bread into the hot skillet, butter-side down. These are the bottom halves.
  5. Step 5: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each of the four slices in the pan.
  6. Step 6: Layer half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce on each slice.
  7. Step 7: Distribute the sliced pepperoni evenly over the cheese layer.
  8. Step 8: Add the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni. Sprinkle red pepper flakes here if using.
  9. Step 9: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
  10. Step 10: Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust heat if browning too fast. Gently press down with a spatula while cooking.
  11. Step 11: Once golden and cheese is melted, carefully remove from the skillet.
  12. Step 12: Slice in half if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Try other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Swap pepperoni for cooked crumbled Italian sausage, ham, or vegetarian alternatives. Add finely chopped cooked mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or black olives. Use pesto or spicy marinara sauce. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the butter.
Tips for Success: Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing and spreading. Use medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts. Don't overfill the sandwiches. Use a wide, sturdy spatula for flipping. The garlic butter can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge (soften slightly before spreading).
Storage & Reheating: Best enjoyed fresh. To store leftovers, let cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, a toaster oven, or an air fryer until heated through and crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it softens the bread.
FAQs: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast. Assemble and cook right before serving for best results. To help cheese melt, cover the pan with a lid for the last few minutes of cooking. To make vegetarian, omit pepperoni and add extra cheese or veggies.