Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Parmesan Crust

This Parmesan crusted pepperoni pizza grilled cheese is a crispy, melty sandwich that brings together everything people love about pizza and grilled cheese in one quick meal.

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is always comforting, but this Parmesan crusted pepperoni pizza grilled cheese takes that familiar favorite in a bold, flavorful direction. It has the golden, buttery crunch you expect from grilled cheese, the stretchy mozzarella you want in every bite, and the savory pizza flavor that makes pepperoni and sauce such a satisfying combination.

The best part is how easy it is to make. You do not need a long ingredient list or special equipment. A skillet or griddle, two slices of bread, a little butter, pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and grated Parmesan are all it takes. The Parmesan goes on the outside of the bread, where it cooks into a crisp, salty crust. That simple step gives the sandwich extra texture and makes it feel much more special than an everyday grilled cheese.

This pizza grilled cheese recipe is also flexible. It works as a quick lunch, a fun weeknight dinner, or a satisfying snack when you want something warm and cheesy. Since the recipe makes one sandwich, it is easy to prepare for yourself, but it can also be scaled up for more servings. Just assemble as many sandwiches as you need and cook them in batches on a griddle or large skillet.

If you love pizza and grilled cheese, this sandwich is an easy way to enjoy both at once. The sauce adds tangy flavor, the pepperoni gives the sandwich a classic pizza taste, and the mozzarella melts beautifully between the slices of bread. Serve it right away while the cheese is hot and gooey and the Parmesan crust is at its crispiest.

Make It Your Own

• Add your favorite pizza toppings. Pepperoni is delicious here, but you can customize the filling with sliced ham, crisp bacon, thinly sliced bell peppers, onions, olives, or other toppings you enjoy on pizza. Keep the pieces small or thin so the sandwich cooks evenly and stays easy to flip.
• Try the air fryer method. If you like extra-crispy grilled cheese, an air fryer can be a convenient option. The bread crisps well, and the cheese melts nicely inside. Watch the sandwich closely the first time so it does not overbrown.
• Switch up the cheese. Mozzarella gives this sandwich that classic pizza flavor, but smoked provolone or an Italian cheese blend are also great choices. Sliced mozzarella can be used instead of shredded mozzarella if that is what you have.

Free Meal Plan

Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #69. It includes a recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list.

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Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Pizza Grilled Cheese

5 from 1 vote

By Rachel Gurk

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 1 sandwich

Print

This Parmesan crusted pepperoni pizza grilled cheese is buttery, crisp, cheesy, and packed with classic pizza flavor. It is quick enough for lunch and satisfying enough for an easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread (whole grain works well)
• 2 teaspoons butter, softened or spreadable
• 1 tablespoon pizza sauce
• 4 tablespoons shredded mozzarella, divided (or two slices)
• 6 slices pepperoni
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

• Butter one side of each slice of bread. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Spread the pizza sauce on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Add 3 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella, or 1 slice of mozzarella, then arrange the pepperoni over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Place the second slice of bread over the filling with the buttered side facing out.
• Press 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan onto one buttered side of the sandwich. Place the sandwich Parmesan-side down in the hot skillet or on the griddle. Add the remaining Parmesan to the top buttered side and press gently so it sticks.
• Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown, the Parmesan crust is crisp, and the cheese inside is melted. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Measurements are approximate and may vary depending on the size of the bread.
• Sliced mozzarella can be used instead of shredded mozzarella.
• Use your preferred pizza toppings in place of pepperoni if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 sandwich, Calories: 508 kcal, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 26 g, Fat: 31 g, Saturated Fat: 16 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 80 mg, Sodium: 1178 mg, Potassium: 246 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 5 g, Vitamin A: 760 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 575 mg, Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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