Can I use different bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Texas toast provides excellent structure and flavor, you can use sourdough, Italian bread, or even regular sandwich bread. Just be aware that thinner bread may cook faster and hold less filling, so adjust accordingly.

My cheese isn't melting completely before the bread gets too brown. What am I doing wrong?

Your heat is likely too high. Try lowering the temperature and placing a lid on your pan for a minute or two to help the cheese melt without burning the bread. Another trick is to grate your cheese instead of using slices for faster melting.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a quick lunch?

You can prepare the garlic butter spread in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also pre-assemble the sandwiches without the outer butter and wrap them tightly in plastic. When ready to eat, just apply the butter and cook. Pre-assembled sandwiches are best used within 24 hours.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables instead! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach make great vegetarian alternatives. You could also add plant-based pepperoni substitutes available at many grocery stores.

Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe

Description

Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the classic comfort of grilled cheese with delicious pizza flavors. Thick Texas toast is layered with pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and a savory garlic butter spread, then grilled to golden, melty perfection—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Garlic Butter Spread

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sandwich

4 slices bread (such as Texas toast)
1/4 cup pizza sauce, plus more for dipping if desired
4 slices mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
16 slices pepperoni

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Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. Set the mixture aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices on a flat surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly over each slice. Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on each piece of bread. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese over two of the bread slices. Arrange 8 slices of pepperoni on top of the shredded cheese on these two slices.
Form the Sandwiches: Place the remaining two slices of bread (sauce and cheese side down) over the pepperoni and shredded cheese topped slices to form two sandwiches. Each sandwich should now be layered with sauce, two types of cheese, and pepperoni.
Spread Garlic Butter: Generously spread the prepared garlic butter mixture on one side of each sandwich.
Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches, buttered-side down, into the skillet. Spread the remaining garlic butter mixture over the top slices of bread. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese inside is melted.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice as desired, and serve immediately. Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
For extra cheese, add more shredded mozzarella or use a cheese blend.
Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1150mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 75mg