I might catch some flack for the title of this post. Can you guess why? It is all in the name: Cheesy Pizza Sandwiches… or grilled cheese 🙂 Although some folks just prefer pepperoni sandwich.

pizza sandwich cut in half with text overlay for facebook

No matter what you call them, they are delicious and perfect for adults and kids alike. A simple recipe for lunch or dinner.

What's In This Article

Panini or Grilled Cheese?

Recently I’ve been in the middle of a heated debate that has seriously touched a nerve for some folks and I get why, it is a very serious subject: grilled cheese. Gourmet grilled cheese, to be exact.

This tasty little creation of pure comfort food is going to catch even more heat since I used a panini press… does that make it classified as a panini now?

What if I just used cheese and bread, still buttered, but used the press to get the crispy crust? Is it no longer a grilled cheese?

I opted to not name my tasty treats either panini or grilled cheese as to not further excite my readers and opted for what I believe to be a very benign name of: Cheesy Pizza Sandwiches (even though in my heart, I believe they are grilled cheese).

What makes my pizza grilled cheese sandwiches different? The main difference is that instead of using pizza sauce, I used my zesty tomato jam. It still taste like tomato, but with an edge that makes these bite-sized sandwiches the adult version.

straight on shot of sliced pizza sandwich

Ingredients

French bread loaf – I like the size of the slices of bread when I use a French bread loaf. Not only are they the perfect size but the flavor is spot on too. However, you can really use any type of bread for these sandwiches.
Pepperoni slices – I used turkey pepperoni, but you can use any type you’d like. You don’t even have to use pepperoni- use sausage or any other of your favorite pizza toppings.
Mozzarella cheese – This is the traditional cheese for a pepperoni pizza, but any melty white cheese will work. Low moisture is best to not make your bread mushy. You can also try your hand at homemade mozzarella cheese.
Butter – I usually specify to use unsalted, but for this recipe you can use any type of butter you have in the refrigerator.
Tomato jam -Tangy and sweet, tomato jam is excellent on everything from grilled cheese to deviled eggs, adding a balanced acidity that will complement a wide variety of other foods, like these pizza sandwiches.

pizza sandwich dipping into marinara sauce

How to Make Pizza Sandwiches

Butter one side of each piece of bread. Equally divide and slather the opposite side of each piece with a small amount of tomato jam.
On half of the pieces, pile one piece of turkey pepperoni and slice of mozzarella, topping with another slice of bread, buttered sides facing out.
Heat panini press or large skillet. Arrange in a single layer and grill. If using a skillet, flip after a few minutes or until bread is a buttery, golden brown.
You know I love sauces, so I serve mine with a side of hearty marinara sauce or garlic butter dipping sauce.

straight on shot of pizza sandwiches sliced on a cutting board

Variations

Veggies – You can add as many or as little toppings as you would like. Want more veggies? Add in some green peppers, red onion or banana peppers.
Meat – If you aren’t keen on slices of pepperoni, you could totally swap it out for Italian sausage or any of the other classic pizza toppings.
Bread – You can use your favorite bread for these sandwiches. Although, if you use larger slices, it would be more like a classic sandwich than the mini slider type that these pizza sandwiches are. You could even try using garlic bread or Texas toast.
Cheese – You can really use any type of cheese that you like here, but mozzarella is the most traditional. You could use something like monterey jack, but melted cheese is the key here, so make sure it melts well.
Sauce – If you don’t have tomato jam or the time to make it, you could use regular marinara sauce for your pizza slider too. Onion jam is another good option as a swap or in addition to.

overhead shot of pizza sandwich cut in half

What to Serve Them With

This meal can be as simple as a side of chips or elevate it with homemade tomato soup, cauliflower soup or veggie packed minestrone.

A nice leafy green salad is nice and so is making them into smaller sliders for a charcuterie board or nibbles while watching the big game or movie night.

Storage and Freezing

Pizza sandwiches taste best right after they’re made, but you can keep them in the fridge for 1-2 days if you have leftovers. Reheat them in a hot panini press or skillet for best results.

I do not recommend freezing them.

collage of pizza sandwiches for pinterest

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