If you’re a fan of pizza and a lover of grilled cheese sandwiches, this recipe for White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the flavors of white pizza—this ultimate comfort food mash-up is quick to make, indulgently satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a savory snack.
Picture this: crispy, golden bread oozing with melted mozzarella, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, all kissed with fragrant herbs. It’s everything you love about a classic white pizza, but in handheld grilled cheese form. Serve it with a warm marinara dipping sauce, and you’ve got yourself a decadent meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer for more.
Ready to combine two of the best foods on the planet into one glorious sandwich? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices of sourdough bread (or Italian bread, ciabatta, or your favorite hearty bread)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened, optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for spreading)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Marinara Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup store-bought marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1: Make the Cheese Spread
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese (if using), mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese mixture with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir in dried basil and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep it warm for serving.
3: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out the slices of bread on a clean work surface.
- Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture evenly on 4 slices of bread. Use a spatula or knife to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
- Top each cheesy slice with another piece of bread to create sandwiches.
4: Butter the Bread
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread (the part that will touch the skillet). This is key for getting that crispy, golden exterior.
5: Grill the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. A lower heat ensures the bread gets crispy while allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Place the sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat to give the cheese more time to melt.
6: Serve Warm
- Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, transfer them to a cutting board. Slice them diagonally for a classic presentation.
- Serve immediately with the warm marinara dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best White Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Choose the Right Bread: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread to hold the cheese filling without getting soggy. Avoid thin sandwich bread.
- Low and Slow: Cook the sandwiches over medium-low heat to ensure the bread crisps up perfectly while giving the cheese enough time to melt.
- Extra Crispy Crust: For added crunch, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before grilling.
- Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor if you have it on hand. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end also adds a nice pop of color.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese filling or marinara sauce for a little heat.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: Assemble the sandwiches without cooking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Cook them straight from frozen over low heat, adding a few extra minutes per side.
Variations
- Add Spinach: Mix fresh or sautéed spinach into the ricotta mixture for a white pizza Florentine twist.
- Add Chicken: Layer shredded cooked chicken in the sandwich for a protein boost. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Garlic Bread Style: Brush the outside of the bread with a garlic butter mixture (butter, garlic powder, parsley, and Parmesan) before grilling for an even richer flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Add provolone or fontina cheese for extra gooeyness and flavor.
- Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and herbs, and layer them inside the sandwich for a hearty, earthy twist.
Nutrition Details
Here’s an approximate breakdown per sandwich (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 800-900mg
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on the specific bread and cheese brands used.
FAQ
1. What is white pizza?
White pizza (or pizza bianca) skips the tomato sauce and is typically topped with cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, along with herbs, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Can I use store-bought white pizza sauce?
Yes! If you want to simplify things, you can use a pre-made white pizza sauce and spread it inside the sandwich.
3. Can I add veggies or meats to this sandwich?
Absolutely. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken are great additions that won’t overpower the cheese filling.
4. What’s the best bread for this grilled cheese?
Sturdy, rustic bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread works best for holding all that cheesy goodness.
5. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients (like marinara sauce) are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are everything you want in a comforting meal: cheesy, melty, golden, and oh-so-satisfying. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for pizza lovers and grilled cheese enthusiasts alike. Serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a gourmet sandwich experience right at home.
Make them for lunch, a quick dinner, or even as a fun twist on a weekend brunch. Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked! 🧀🍕