Blackstone Pizza Grilled Cheese Crispy Homemade Recipe Today
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread – Texas toast, sourdough, or sturdy sandwich bread works best.
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese – about 8 ounces.
- 32 pepperoni slices – about 2 ounces.
- 1/2 cup thick pizza sauce – divided.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – for spreading on the bread.
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – adds salty, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – for extra heat.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced bell peppers.
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.
- Extra warm pizza sauce – for dipping.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bread: Replace white bread with sourdough, whole wheat bread, Italian bread, or Texas toast.
- Mozzarella: Use provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend. For the best melt, avoid fresh mozzarella because its extra moisture can make the sandwich soggy.
- Pepperoni: Substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter option or use cooked sausage.
- Butter: Mayonnaise can be spread thinly on the outside of the bread for a crisp, evenly browned crust.
- Pizza sauce: A thick marinara sauce works in a pinch, but avoid watery pasta sauces.
Equipment Needed
- Blackstone griddle or similar outdoor flat-top griddle.
- Griddle spatula.
- Second spatula for easier flipping, optional.
- Instant-read surface thermometer or infrared thermometer.
- Butter knife or small offset spatula.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Small mixing bowl.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife.
- Plate or sheet pan for assembled sandwiches.
- Griddle dome or melting cover, highly recommended.
- Paper towels.
- Tongs, optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Blackstone Griddle
Turn your Blackstone griddle to medium-low heat and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Aim for a surface temperature between 325°F and 350°F.
If you have an infrared thermometer, check the exact temperature before adding the sandwiches.
The griddle is ready when butter placed on the surface melts and gently sizzles without immediately smoking or turning dark brown.
Do not use high heat. The bread can burn before the thick layer of mozzarella has time to melt.
2. Prepare the Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, combine.
4 tablespoons softened butter.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Mix until evenly combined.
Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned butter over one side of each bread slice. The buttered sides will face outward toward the hot griddle.
Softened butter spreads more evenly than cold butter and reduces the chance of tearing the bread.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Place 4 bread slices on a cutting board with the buttered side facing down.
On each slice, layer.
About 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
2 tablespoons thick pizza sauce.
8 pepperoni slices.
About 1/4 cup additional mozzarella.
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan.
Top each sandwich with another bread slice, keeping the buttered side facing up.
Cheese on both sides of the filling helps hold everything together as it melts. It also creates a small barrier between the bread and sauce.
Do not add extra sauce just because the sandwich looks like it needs more. Too much sauce is one of the fastest ways to make pizza grilled cheese soggy.
4. Place the Sandwiches on the Griddle
Set the assembled sandwiches onto the preheated Blackstone griddle. Leave at least 1 to 2 inches of space between them so you can flip each sandwich safely.
Cook the first side for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
The bottom should look evenly golden brown with crisp edges. If it darkens in less than 2 minutes, your griddle is too hot.
Use the spatula to lift one corner after about 2 minutes and check the color instead of guessing.
5. Flip Carefully
Slide a wide griddle spatula completely underneath each sandwich. Hold the top steady with a second spatula if necessary, then flip in one smooth motion.
Cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Do not repeatedly flip the sandwiches. One controlled flip usually gives you better browning and helps keep the filling in place.
Pressing down hard with the spatula can squeeze melted cheese and pizza sauce out of the sandwich.
6. Melt the Cheese Completely
If the bread is golden but the center still needs more melting time, lower the heat slightly and cover the sandwiches with a griddle dome for 1 to 2 minutes.
For extra steam, add about 1 teaspoon of water beside the sandwiches, not directly on them, then immediately cover with the dome.
Steam is extremely hot. Lift the dome away from your face and hands.
The Blackstone Pizza Grilled Cheese is ready when the mozzarella looks fully melted at the edges and the bread is crisp and deep golden brown.
7. Rest Before Slicing
Transfer the finished sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 2 minutes.
This short rest helps the molten cheese settle slightly, making the sandwiches easier to slice without losing all the filling.
Cut each sandwich diagonally and serve warm. For extra pizza flavor, offer warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
If making multiple batches, move finished sandwiches to a cooler side of the griddle rather than leaving them over direct heat. This keeps them warm without burning the crust.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Thick-cut bread – $2.00.
Mozzarella cheese – $3.00.
Pepperoni – $1.75.
Pizza sauce – $1.00.
Butter – $0.70.
Parmesan cheese – $0.80.
Seasonings – $0.25.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $9.50 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $2.38 USD per serving.
