Leftover Pizza Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crunchy grilled cheese featuring folded pizza slices, shredded chicken, and melted cheese for a cozy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 2 large slices leftover pizza with sturdy crust
02 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
03 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

→ For Toasting

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Place a cold pizza slice on a cutting board with the cheese side facing up.
02 - Evenly spread ½ cup of shredded chicken over the cheese side of each pizza slice and sprinkle additional shredded cheese if preferred.
03 - Fold each pizza slice in half, pressing gently to seal the filling inside.
04 - Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each folded pizza.
05 - Place folded pizzas buttered side down in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
06 - Flip the pizzas, press gently with a spatula, and toast the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until cheese melts and crust turns golden.
07 - Remove from heat, allow to cool for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns leftovers into something that feels indulgent and new, not like reheated scraps.
  • The crispy, buttery crust gives cold pizza a second life you won't believe.
  • It takes less than 15 minutes and uses what you already have in the fridge.
  • The melted cheese and warm chicken inside taste better than the original pizza did.
02 -
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the crust will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt.
  • Don't overfill with chicken or the pizza won't fold cleanly and the filling will spill out when you flip it.
  • Let it rest for a minute after cooking; cutting into it immediately makes the cheese run out everywhere.
03 -
  • Press down gently with the spatula while toasting to help the filling meld together and create an even crisp.
  • If your pizza is really cold and stiff from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it's easier to fold without cracking.
  • Make two at a time in a large skillet if you're feeding more than one person; they cook fast and taste best fresh.
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