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Pizza Grilled Cheese

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A delightful twist on a classic grilled cheese, combining gooey cheese and savory pizza toppings for a comforting, gluten-free meal.

Ingredients

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  • 8 slices sturdy gluten-free bread (sourdough, rustic Italian, or Texas toast)
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded mild cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup mini beef pepperoni slices or finely chopped regular beef pepperoni
  • Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced bell peppers (lightly sautéed & drained)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp finely diced red onion (lightly sautéed)
  • 2 tbsp sliced black olives, drained & chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped or dried oregano
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cooked, crumbled beef sausage or diced mushrooms (well-drained)
  • 4-6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Optional: 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • Additional marinara sauce, for dipping
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Soften butter (or combine with mayonnaise for a blend).
  2. Grate and combine all cheeses.
  3. Prepare toppings: chop beef pepperoni, finely dice bell peppers/red onion (sauté & drain if desired), chop olives, and chop fresh basil/measure oregano.
  4. Measure out pizza sauce.
  5. Lay out bread slices.
  6. Spread butter (or butter-mayo) on one side of all 8 bread slices (this is the exterior).
  7. Place 4 slices, buttered-side down, as sandwich bottoms.
  8. Flip bottom slices, spread 1-2 tbsp pizza sauce on each unbuttered side.
  9. Sprinkle 1/4-1/3 of the cheese blend over the sauce.
  10. Evenly distribute prepared toppings over cheese.
  11. Sprinkle remaining cheese blend over toppings.
  12. Top with remaining 4 buttered bread slices, buttered-side up. Gently press to secure fillings.
  13. Preheat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes.
  14. Carefully transfer two assembled sandwiches to the pan, buttered-side down (cook in batches if needed).
  15. Grill for 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown; do not press.
  16. Cover the pan with a lid for 2-3 minutes to promote even cheese melt.
  17. Flip sandwiches, cover, and grill the second side for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
  18. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
  19. Rest the cooked sandwiches on a cutting board for 2-3 minutes; this allows the cheese to set and crust to crisp.
  20. Using a sharp, serrated knife, slice each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with additional warm marinara sauce for dipping, and optional red pepper flakes.

Equipment

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Use dedicated gluten-free tools and surfaces.

Nutrition