Easy High-Protein Pizza Grilled Cheese (Air Fryer & Oven)
Pizza or grilled cheese? We never saw why we had to choose, so this pizza grilled cheese sandwich recipe was basically inevitable: a high-protein twist on two comfort food classics that’s crispy, cheesy, and ready faster than delivery. We started making this pizza toast recipe as an alternative to frozen pizza, something just as satisfying but with far better macros.
We eat this pizza sandwich for everything: a post-workout meal, a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a snack. This recipe walks you through two ways to make it: crisped up in the air fryer or baked in the oven, so you can choose whichever fits your kitchen best.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Recipe Makes 1 Serving)
|
Calories |
Carbs |
Fat |
Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
|
422 kcal |
34 g |
13 g |
39 g |
Calories and macronutrients are per serving and are approximate. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For informational purposes only.
Why Choose This Recipe?
Big on Protein, Low on Effort
This pizza grilled cheese sandwich packs around 39g of protein without dirtying a single pan or pre-cooking any chicken. We rely on deli chicken slices straight from the fridge, so all that protein comes together in one air fryer basket, or one baking sheet.
Ultimate Crunch Factor
Nobody wants a soggy pizza sandwich. We lightly toast the bread before layering everything, which makes a noticeable difference once it goes into the air fryer. The outside gets crisp and golden while the mozzarella melts into the chicken and sauce, giving us that perfect crispy, but cheesy bite.
The Perfect Fake Pizza
This pizza sandwich satisfies every pizza craving without the wait. We’re talking real pizza flavor, from the sauce to the melted cheese, ready in just about 15 minutes.
Maximum Convenience
This pizza grilled cheese recipe keeps things simple with ingredients we usually have on hand: toast, mozzarella, deli chicken slices, pepperoni, and a few basic pantry staples for the sauce. No special shopping trip, no complicated prep.
What You Need for This Pizza Grilled Cheese
Here you can see the ingredients for this high-protein pizza grilled cheese. See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients with all quantities.
Ingredients Explained
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Toast: regular sandwich bread.
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Deli chicken slices: our main protein source.
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Mozzarella: melts perfectly for that classic cheese pull.
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Pepperoni: brings the unmistakable pizza flavor.
- Tomato passata + tomato paste: together they make a thick, flavorful sauce.
Recipe Variations
You can easily customize this easy pizza grilled cheese recipe to match your own taste.
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Store-bought pizza sauce: want to save even more time? A jarred marinara or pizza sauce works just fine. Just check the label first, plenty of store-bought sauces hide added oils and sugar that can throw off your macros.
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Turkey deli slices: swap out the chicken for turkey deli slices, they work just as well and keep this pizza grilled cheese sandwich just as high in protein.
- For more heat: a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after cooking adds a nice kick to your pizza toast.
Any changes to the ingredients may affect the macronutrient values. If you modify the recipe, the nutritional values should be recalculated accordingly.
How to Make This Pizza Grilled Cheese
Steps 1–3: Toast the Bread & Make the Sauce
We start by lightly toasting both slices of bread. While that’s happening, we mix the passata, tomato paste, and seasonings together in a small bowl. We give the sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Steps 4–12: Layer the Pizza Grilled Cheese
Once the bread is ready, we spread half of the pizza sauce over one slice and layer on half of the deli chicken slices and mozzarella. We place the second toast slice on top, spread it with the rest of the sauce, then add the remaining chicken and mozzarella. Finally, we top it with the pepperoni slices.
Steps 13–15: Air Fry or Bake
Whether you’re using the air fryer or the oven, bake until the bread turns golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
JuicyMacros Recipe Tip
- No more flyaway pepperoni: the fan in the air fryer loves to blow pepperoni slices right off the toast, where they can burn. Press the pepperoni slices gently into the soft mozzarella before baking, the cheese acts like glue and keeps everything in place.
How to Store & Reheat
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We store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer or oven, that’s what brings the crunch back.
- We don’t recommend freezing this one, the toast just doesn’t hold up well once thawed.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza grilled cheese sandwich is pretty perfect on its own, but here are a few ways we love serving it:
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Dip it in ranch or a garlic yogurt dip for extra flavor.
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Pair it with a simple side salad to round it out into a full meal.
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Serve it with veggie sticks for a quick, balanced lunch.
- Cut it into triangles and serve as an easy party snack or appetizer.
Similar Recipes
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Recipe: Easy High-Protein Pizza Grilled Cheese (Air Fryer & Oven)
Easy High-Protein Pizza Grilled Cheese (Air Fryer & Oven)
1
servings5
minutes10
minutes422
kcal34
g13
g39
gThis High-Protein Pizza Sandwich features layers of juicy deli chicken, thick homemade pizza sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Lightly toasted beforehand to guarantee the ultimate crunch in every single bite.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 Slices Toast
40 g Mozzarella
120 g Deli Chicken Slices
4 Slices Pepperoni
- Tomato Sauce
45 g Tomato Passata
15 g Tomato Paste
0.5 tsp Oregano
0.5 tsp Basil
0.5 tsp Garlic
0.5 tsp Onion
0.5 tsp Paprika
0.25 tsp Salt
0.25 tsp Pepper
Directions
- Toast the Bread
Lightly toast both slices of bread first. This helps keep the grilled cheese crispy and prevents the bread from becoming soggy. - Make the Pizza Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the passata, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Layer the Sandwich
Spread half of the pizza sauce over one slice of toast. Add half of the deli chicken slices and half of the mozzarella. Place the second slice of toast on top, then spread with the rest of the sauce. Add the remaining deli chicken slices and mozzarella, and finish with the pepperoni slices. - Air Fry or Bake
Bake until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
• Air Fryer: 180°C (355°F) for 8–10 minutes
• Oven (fan): 190°C (375°F) for 12–14 minutes
Recipe Video
Notes
- 1. Storage
– Fridge: Store the cooled Pizza Grilled Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: Not recommended, as the bread texture can become soft after thawing. - 2. Reheating
– Air Fryer: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes until crispy and the cheese is melted.
– Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes until heated through.
– Microwave: Heat in short intervals if needed, but the bread will lose its crisp texture. For the best result, use the air fryer or oven. - *Calories and macronutrients are per serving and are approximate. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For informational purposes only.
Have you tried this recipe yourself?
Tag @juicymacros on Instagram and let us know.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of deli chicken slices?
Yes, that works too. Just make sure to slice or shred it thin so it layers and warms up evenly.
What’s the best bread for a pizza grilled cheese sandwich?
We recommend a sturdy sandwich bread. It holds up to the sauce and toppings without going flimsy, which is exactly what gives you that satisfying crunch.
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