If you’ve ever debated between a slice of gooey pizza and a comforting grilled cheese, now you can have the best of both worlds with this absolutely irresistible Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese. Melting mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni get sandwiched between buttery, garlicky bread for a mash-up that checks all the boxes: cheesy, crunchy, savory, and downright crave-worthy. Whether you’re making lunch for the kids, hosting a game-day get-together, or simply indulging your inner cheese lover, this is destined to become your new favorite—trust me, you won’t want to make grilled cheese any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how a handful of classic ingredients come together in such a magical, pizza-inspired way. Each component plays a crucial role, making every bite of Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese a little celebration.
- Italian or sourdough bread (8 slices): Opt for a hearty loaf—it holds up beautifully to the gooey fillings and toasts to golden perfection.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for dipping): The sauce brings all the pizzeria flavor without any fuss, and don’t forget a little extra for dunking!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): You want that signature ooze; nothing pulls better than mozzarella.
- Mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni (1/2 cup): These deliver salty, crispy pops of classic pizza taste—feel free to pile them on.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): The Parmesan butter is a game changer, adding nutty, savory depth right into the bread.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for that bold, mouthwatering garlic kick in every bite.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch gives a hint of herby complexity, making your kitchen smell like your favorite pizzeria.
- Softened butter (4 tablespoons): Lusciously coats the bread, ensuring a crisp, golden finish that is truly next-level.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Start by stirring together your softened butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Take a second to swoon over the rich, garlicky scent—this butter truly sets your Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese apart. Make sure everything’s well blended so the flavors get into every nook and cranny of the bread.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Lay out eight slices of Italian or sourdough bread. Generously spread the garlic-Parmesan butter mixture on one side of each slice. Don’t be shy here—this is where all that flavor and crispiness comes from! You want the butter to reach right to the edges for the best golden crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Fillings
Flip four slices so the unbuttered side is facing up. Slather on a tablespoon of marinara or pizza sauce, making sure it’s evenly spread. Next, top each with a plush pile of shredded mozzarella and a generous handful of mini (or chopped) pepperoni. You’ll get those oozy, stretchy cheese pulls every grilled cheese fan dreams about!
Step 4: Top and Sandwich
Place the remaining bread slices buttered side out on top of your loaded-up halves. Lightly press each sandwich together—you’re basically sealing all the melty goodness inside, getting them ready for their golden transformation in the skillet.
Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully lay in your sandwiches (work in batches if needed). Cook each one for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. Watch for that magical moment when the bread turns golden and crisp and the cheese inside is dreamily melted. Don’t rush this step—the slow build is worth it.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Marinara
Remove your Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches to a cutting board. Let them rest for a moment, then slice in half and serve with extra warm marinara sauce for irresistible dipping. This is the ultimate pizza-grilled cheese hybrid moment—soak it up!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle each sandwich with a pinch of extra Parmesan, a little chopped parsley or basil, or even a dusting of chili flakes if you like a touch of heat. These simple toppings add fresh color and a final pop of flavor that really makes the dish sing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, classic tomato soup, or a pile of garlic parmesan fries. These sides keep the meal fun and balanced, perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party snack, slice sandwiches into quarters and spear each with a toothpick for easy, cheesy bites. Stack them on a platter with an array of dipping sauces like ranch, pesto, or buffalo, and watch them disappear! You can also serve individual sandwiches open-faced for a melty, toasty pizza toast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sandwiches, let them cool completely, then wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. The bread might soften a bit, but the flavors develop even more overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches but do not grill them. Instead, wrap each unbaked sandwich tightly and freeze. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and toast as directed—your future self will thank you for the shortcut to melty, cheesy heaven!
Reheating
To recapture that crispy, gooey magic, reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back the crunch and melts the cheese perfectly; microwaving can make the bread soggy, so skip it if you can.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While Italian and sourdough are classic picks for Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese, you can experiment with ciabatta, French bread, or even a sturdy whole grain loaf—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
What are some vegetarian options for the filling?
If you’re skipping meat, load up your grilled cheese with bell peppers, olives, onions, mushrooms, or even fresh spinach. Plant-based pepperoni or vegan meats also work beautifully and keep all the pizza vibes intact.
Can I bake instead of pan-grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes per side, flipping halfway. The bread won’t get quite as crispy as in a skillet, but it’s still delicious and super easy for feeding a crowd.
How can I make these sandwiches less greasy?
If you prefer a lighter version, use a smaller amount of butter, opt for part-skim mozzarella, or line your cooked sandwiches with a paper towel before serving to absorb any excess oil. Fresh veggies inside also lighten things up!
Is Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. If you’re serving little ones, you can go lighter on the pepperoni or swap it for mini turkey pepperoni or extra cheese for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to sink your teeth into this ooey-gooey, flavor-packed Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese. It’s one of those recipes that delivers pure joy with every bite—cheesy, crispy, and bursting with nostalgic pizza goodness. Give it a try, load it up just the way you like, and watch it disappear!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe combines the flavors of pizza in a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a delicious twist on the classic comfort food!
Ingredients
Bread and Butter:
- 8 slices Italian or sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
Filling:
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic-Parmesan Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the garlic-Parmesan butter on one side of each slice of bread. On four slices, spread marinara sauce, top with mozzarella, and pepperoni. Cover with remaining slices, buttered side out.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts. Serve hot with extra marinara for dipping.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.
- For a vegetarian option, omit pepperoni or use plant-based alternatives.
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