Margherita Pizza Grilled Cheese
Craving a twist on classic comfort food? This Pizza Grilled Cheese is melty, golden-brown, and ready in under 30 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal on its own or paired with your favorite bowl of soup, like this Marry Me Chicken Soup.
When I'm craving comfort but short on time, this grilled cheese pizza sandwich is my go-to. I love using ciabatta bread, one of my favorites, and layering it with gooey mozzarella, rich pizza sauce, and fresh basil for a melty, flavorful bite every time!
If you love cheesy bites, try my brie grilled cheese and tomato ricotta toast next!
📌 Soup Summary
- 😋 Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and herby; like your favorite slice of pizza but with the crunch of golden, buttery bread.
- 🕒 Total Time: 10-15 minutes
- 🥄 Texture: Crispy on the outside, gooey and melty inside.
- 👩🍳 Best For: Quick lunches, cozy weeknight dinners, or a fun twist on pizza night.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Layer cheese on both sides of the sauce to keep the bread from getting soggy and guarantee that perfect cheese pull.
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Why This Recipe Rocks
This grilled cheese pizza sandwich is one of my favorite quick and easy comfort meals. The ciabatta turns perfectly crispy, the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, and the fresh basil adds just the right pop of flavor.
It's full of flavor, budget-friendly, and everyone always asks me to make it for them! It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even cut into squares to serve as a party appetizer. I especially love it paired with a hot bowl of soup like this creamy ravioli soup!
LynIngredients + Substitutions
- Ciabatta bread: Choose fresh or day-old ciabatta from your local store. Its sturdy texture crisps nicely without getting soggy. You can substitute sourdough or another hearty bread.
- Mozzarella cheese: Fresh or shredded mozzarella works. Fresh gives a creamier melt, while shredded is convenient. If using fresh, be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the grilled cheese to prevent sogginess.
- Pizza sauce: Store-bought or homemade both work, like this fresh tomato pizza sauce. It adds a tangy, savory flavor that complements the cheese.
- Fresh basil: Brings a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Wash and pat dry before slicing. You can substitute with baby spinach or arugula if needed. For more basil inspiration, try my creamy zucchini basil soup.
Check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and quantities of each one.
Recipe Variations
- Meaty Upgrade: Layer in thin slices of pepperoni, cooked sausage, or prosciutto for a heartier, protein-packed twist. For another meaty favorite, check out my chicken club sandwich.
- Veggie-Packed: Add thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or roasted red peppers to sneak in vegetables without losing the gooey factor.
- Cheese Mix: Blend mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or gouda for a richer, more complex melt.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or fresh oregano on the inside for extra flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or layer in some sliced jalapeños for a kick.
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese pizza recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Have your bread, cheese, and sauce ready so the sandwiches can go straight into the pan once assembled.
Step 1: Prep the bread. Brush the outside of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt so it crisps up golden in the pan.
Step 2: Layer the cheese. Place half of the mozzarella on two slices of bread. This acts as a barrier to keep the sauce from soaking into the bread.
Step 3: Add the pizza flavors. Spoon pizza sauce over the cheese.
Step 4: Add basil and more cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil for that classic Margherita-style flavor and finish with the rest of the cheese.
Step 5: Cook until melty. Top with the remaining bread slices, oil side out, and cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Flip and finish. Flip it over halfway through the cooking time to brown the other side. Enjoy with a bowl of creamy potato soup for a hearty meal!
Lyn's Top Tips
- Use medium-low heat: Cooking too quickly can brown the bread before the cheese has time to melt. Medium-low heat gives you a golden crust with gooey cheese inside.
- Layer cheese under the sauce: Adding cheese first creates a barrier that helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Don't overload the fillings: Too much sauce or cheese makes the sandwich tricky to flip and can cause it to fall apart. Keep the layers balanced.
- Storage and reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispy texture.
Soup-er Toppings & Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy as a hearty weeknight dinner with a simple side salad or a bowl of lasagna soup.
- It's just as tasty for a quick lunch paired with a bowl of creamy potato broccoli cheese soup.
- Serve it for game day gatherings or casual parties alongside tasty appetizers like my crispy goat cheese balls, plus classic wings and dips.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, assemble the sandwich as directed, then air fry at 375°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and melty inside.
Cover the skillet with a lid while cooking. The trapped heat helps the cheese melt faster without over-toasting the bread.
A sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or thick sandwich bread works best. Avoid bread that's too soft, as it won't hold up well to the fillings.
Marinara or pizza sauce is the go-to, but garlic butter, ranch, or even a creamy pesto sauce are all delicious options.
No, it's not recommended as the pizza sauce may make the bread soggy.
Margherita Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 slices ciabatta bread or other sliced bread
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 4-8 leaves fresh basil julienned
Instructions
- Brush outside of bread with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Turn bread over, add half the cheese on two slices. Add pizza sauce on the cheese and top with basil leaves. Place last two slices of bread on top with olive oil side facing out.
- Place sandwiches in a skillet. Cook over medium-low heat. Cook until it browns on one side. Flip and continue to cook until cheese is melted and both sides of bread are golden brown.
Recipe Tips
- Butter the bread generously on the outside to get a golden, crispy crust.
- Cook over medium heat so the cheese has time to melt before the bread browns too quickly.
- Cover the skillet with a lid if needed to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Use sturdy sandwich bread that can hold the fillings without getting soggy.
