If you are craving a spectacular twist on comfort food, you’re going to fall head over heels for these 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe. Imagine melting mozzarella cheese paired with zesty pizza sauce and pepperoni slices, all sandwiched between slices of bread brushed with a heavenly garlic butter infused with parmesan and Italian herbs. This sandwich is a dream come true for pizza and grilled cheese lovers alike, delivering crispy, gooey, and savory bites in no time. It’s the ultimate savory comfort meal that’s ready faster than delivery—perfect for cozy nights or whenever you want to treat yourself with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for the 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe is refreshingly simple but each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the richness of butter and cheese to the zing of Italian seasoning, every component contributes to making this sandwich irresistibly tasty.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): This is the base for the garlic butter, adding richness and helping create that golden crust.
- Grated parmesan cheese (4 tablespoons): Adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the garlic butter to a whole new level.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, giving a true pizza vibe to the sandwich.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Packs a subtle punch of savory garlic flavor without overpowering the balance.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the garlic butter blend.
- Thick slices of sturdy bread (8 slices): Choose sourdough or Italian bread for a crusty outside and sturdy base to hold all the gooey goodness inside.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The melty, creamy heart of the sandwich that you’ll love stretching with every bite.
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce (1/2 cup): Brings that classic tomato tang that’s essential for a pizza-inspired flavor.
- Pepperoni slices (24 thin slices): Adds a savory, slightly spicy meaty touch that’s classic pizza magic.
How to Make 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Bliss
Start by mixing the softened unsalted butter with grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. This garlic butter mixture is the secret star that will give each slice of bread a rich, fragrant, and crispy coating, turning a simple grilled cheese into a gourmet treat.
Step 2: Butter Your Bread Like a Pro
Spread that luscious garlic butter on one side of every bread slice. The buttered side will be the one that kisses the hot skillet, crafting a golden-brown crust that’s just bursting with flavor. Don’t skimp—this layer is essential for texture and taste.
Step 3: Warm Up Your Skillet
Set your skillet over medium heat to prepare for the perfect toasting. This moderate heat lets the bread crisp up evenly while the cheese inside gently melts to ooey-gooey perfection without burning the crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Base
Place 4 slices of the buttered bread into the warm skillet, butter-side down. This creates the sturdy foundation. Now, top each slice with a generous helping of shredded mozzarella, then spoon on the pizza sauce and layer on the pepperoni slices. This combo is where the magic of pizza meets the super comfort of a grilled cheese.
Step 5: Finish With a Golden Lid
Cover each layered stack with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces up this time. This sandwich top will toast beautifully, enveloping all the cheesy, saucy fillings and keeping everything snug and melty during the cooking process.
Step 6: Cook Both Sides to Perfection
Allow the sandwiches to cook until the bottom bread slices turn a perfect golden brown—usually a few minutes. Then carefully flip each sandwich over with a spatula. Cook the other side until it’s equally golden and the cheese inside has melted into that perfect pizza grilled cheese bliss.
Step 7: Slice and Serve While Hot
Once done, remove from the heat and slice your sandwiches thoughtfully so each piece reveals the melty, pepperoni-filled interior. Serve immediately to enjoy that warm, rich hand-held pizza grilled cheese sensation at its absolute best.
How to Serve 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling fresh chopped basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and a flavor boost. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a scattering of grated parmesan can also heighten the indulgence, making each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Alternatively, a bowl of tangy tomato soup is a classic companion that echoes the pizza sauce inside while offering a cozy dipping option you won’t want to miss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, slice the sandwiches into smaller squares and serve as party finger food with toothpicks, turning your kitchen favorite into a shareable sensation. You can even customize toppings per guest for a fun, build-your-own pizza grilled cheese bar that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sandwiches (though they tend to disappear quickly), wrap them tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days without losing too much of their flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but don’t cook them. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual for a freshly made taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat to revive the golden crisp crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy. A quick toast on each side will bring your 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic stretchy cheese feel, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or a blend for extra sharpness or creaminess. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep the gooey goodness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you skip the pepperoni or substitute it with vegetarian-friendly alternatives like sliced mushrooms, olives, or roasted bell peppers. The flavor combo remains deliciously satisfying.
Can I make these sandwiches vegan?
To go vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use vegan cheese that melts well, and choose vegan bread and sauce. The key is to maintain that garlic butter flavor with a vegan butter and seasoning blend for the perfect crust.
What type of bread works best?
Thicker, sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian bread holds up excellently to all the juicy fillings without becoming soggy or falling apart. Avoid very thin or soft sandwich bread for the best crisp.
How spicy are these sandwiches?
The classic version is mildly spicy thanks to the pepperoni, but you can easily ramp up the heat by adding crushed chili flakes, spicy pepperoni, or a dash of hot sauce either inside or on the side for dipping.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, cheesy, perfectly toasted sandwich that tastes like your favorite pizza all wrapped up in one. The 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, comforting meals with a flair of gourmet. So, grab that skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a sandwich that will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe box. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to answer whenever hunger calls for a little culinary magic.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
These 20-Minute Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Garlic Butter Bliss combine the best of both worlds: crispy garlic buttered bread, gooey melted mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni for a quick and delicious meal perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sandwich
- 8 thick slices sturdy bread such as sourdough or Italian
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 24 thin slices pepperoni
Instructions
- Make the garlic butter: Mix the softened butter, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl until well combined to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Prepare the bread: Spread the garlic butter generously on one side of each slice of bread, ensuring even coverage for a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Heat skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up to medium temperature, ready for cooking the sandwiches evenly.
- Assemble base layer: Place 4 bread slices butter-side down onto the heated skillet, forming the bottom layer of the sandwiches.
- Add toppings: On each bread slice in the skillet, evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a spoonful of pizza sauce or marinara, and then top with 6 slices of pepperoni per sandwich.
- Cover sandwiches: Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top of the assembled fillings with the buttered side facing up to seal the sandwich.
- Cook sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches until the bottom bread slices are golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip to cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted inside.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them as desired, and serve hot to enjoy the melty pizza-flavored grilled cheese goodness.
Notes
- Use thick and sturdy bread like sourdough or Italian for best results to hold the fillings well without getting soggy.
- Adjust cooking heat as needed to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variation.
- Use a lid on the skillet during cooking to help melt the cheese faster if desired.
- Butter should be softened for easy mixing and spreading.
