This Pizza Grilled Cheese is PERFECTION! Provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are layered with pepperoni and toasted between two slices of garlic bread for a perfect grilled cheese that sings with pizza flavors. Finished by being served with Marinara Soup that is perfect for dipping.
Pizza Grilled Cheese is such a fun way to make lunch special or is a great replacement to your weekly Pizza night. Bottom line--these sandwiches are something that big and small kids LOVE.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
I never bought school lunches growing up. But I was always envious when the cafeteria was serving up Pizza Bobs--AKA Pizza Grilled Cheese.
Pizza Bobs were just grilled cheese sandwiches made with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni--but the combination always intrigued me and inspired my creation of Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
Tons of cheese, pepperoni, and toasted garlic bread create a grilled cheese that has all the flavors of a pizza. It is a kid's dream sandwich. Okay, I am not going to lie, I LOVE pizza grilled cheese as well!
While these pizza sandwiches are delicious served alone, when paired with a Marinara Soup--OH WOW! Absolute perfection. These Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches may just replace your pizza night traditions!
How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese
These grilled cheese sandwiches could not be easier to make, but there are a few tips to making the BEST grilled cheese that is filled with pizza flavor.
Step One: Make Garlic Oil
Instead of just smearing butter on bread, take the opportunity to add in a bit more classic flavors and mix together olive oil with garlic and oregano.
Step Two: Assemble Sandwiches
Just like any grilled cheese, it all comes down to the cheese. I use a mixture of provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. I also add a few slices of pepperoni, but that of course is optional.
Be sure to cover the entire slice of bread with cheese, so that no bite is left without that ooey, gooey, goodness!
Step Three: Toast Sandwiches
Brush the exposed sides of the sandwiches with the garlic oil, using a pasty brush. Then heat a skillet or griddle to medium heat. Don't be tempted to toast the grilled cheese over high heat to speed up the process--the bread will burn before the cheese is perfectly melted.
Marinara Soup
And because grilled cheese is always best when served with a warm soup for dipping--a soup is a MUST! But plain old tomato soup, while delicious is just NOT a fit for this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
What goes better with pizza than marinara sauce? So why not Marinara Soup?
By using prepared marinara or spaghetti sauce, this soup comes together effortless! The pre-made marinara sauce is perfectly flavored and when thinned out with vegetable broth or chicken stock, this soup is the perfect companion to pizza grilled cheese.
Tips on Pizza Grilled Cheese
- What bread is best for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? I personally think a thick, hearty bread--like an Italian Bread cut into thick slices or Whole Wheat Sourdough is another great option. I have even used my Homemade Honey Wheat Bread with success.
- If you don't like pepperoni--leave it out! Maybe try sliced mushrooms, diced peppers, or olives--or just stick with good old plain cheese.
- If you have only have mozzarella cheese or Provolone cheese--just use that--don't feel like you must use all three varieties of cheese.
- If you have shredded cheese, use that instead of slices--the cheese is going to melt, so it doesn't really matter what shape it starts our as!
- If you want to make Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese, use thick gluten-free bread.
- If you are making Grilled Cheese for a Crowd, place all the prepared sandwiches on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
- I love to use my homemade Marinara Sauce, but any store bought sauce works for the Marinara Soup.
- To add a bit of zip to Marinara Soup, try adding in a ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Creative Spins on Pizza
Love pizza? These fun recipes were inspired by traditional pizzas.
Pizza Grilled Cheese with Marinara Soup
Ingredients
Pizza Grilled Cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teasspoon dried oregano
- 8 slices thick sliced bread
- 8 thin slices provolone cheese
- 8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 slices nitrate free pepperoni optional
Marinara Soup
- 2 cups your favorite marinara sauce
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Combine the olive oil, garlic and oregano together. Brush on the exterior of all 16 slices of bread.
- Layer 4 slices of bread each with 2 slices provolone cheese, 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and 4 slices of pepperoni if using. each. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread.
- Heat skillet/griddle to medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cheese is melted.
Marinara Soup
- Bring marinara, oregano, garlic, and stock to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to come together.
- Serve sandwich with soup.
Nutrition
Denise Wright
What a great combination! This is one for my little boy.
Kristen Chidsey
He would be thrilled with it Denise!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
I love provolone Kristen, this sandwich is a real winner in my book! Pizza and grilled cheese all rolled into one.
Kristen Chidsey
Enjoy Allie 🙂
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
Happy National Grilled Cheese Day! Yours sounds fantastic! I love the sound of the marinara soup too!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Cynthia!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets
My kids were getting pb&j for lunch today, but this is a WAY better option. Delish!
Kristen Chidsey
But I do love a good old pb& j too 🙂
Megan @ MegUnprocessed.com
This looks SO good! I love the marinara soup 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
The soup is crucial!
Betsy | The JavaCupcake Blog
This is an amazing idea!! My family will love it!!!!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks so much Betsy!
Liz
Such a gooey delicious grilled cheese! Just the way I like them!!!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
What a fun flavor for grilled cheese! This is some great comfort food!
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you Jessica!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats
Girl, you know I love this one. Putting it on my meal plan pronto!
Kristen Chidsey
Yea!! love to hear that Ally!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan
Growing up, my school never had "Pizza Bob" - what a genius idea! I have had my share of grilled cheese sandwihes but never have I tried one with peperoni before - GAH - now this is all I can think of...why do I have to be stuck in an office WITHOUT a stove till 3.30??? 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this Kristen!
Kristen Chidsey
I am sorry to distract you at work 🙂 But now you know what you HAVE to try!! You will love these!