Save My roommate once left a box of leftover pizza on the counter, and I stood there staring at it like it held the secrets of the universe. That's when I had the wildest idea: what if I treated it like bread for a grilled cheese? The result was something so ridiculously good that I've made it at least twice a week since. It's the kind of happy accident that tastes like you actually planned something clever.
I made this for my neighbor one afternoon when she stopped by hungry and impatient, and I watched her face go from skeptical to absolutely delighted with that first crispy bite. She texted me the next day asking for the 'recipe,' and I realized this wasn't just leftovers getting a second life—it was becoming something people actually wanted.
Ingredients
- 2 large slices leftover pizza: Any style works brilliantly here, though pizza with a sturdier crust holds together better when folded and stays crispier once toasted.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is your shortcut to tender, flavorful filling that needs zero extra cooking time.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: This is optional but honestly worth it—the extra cheese creates pockets of melted deliciousness that make the whole thing feel intentional.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter spreads like a dream and toasts more evenly than cold butter straight from the fridge.
Instructions
- Get Your Pizza Ready:
- Pull out a cold pizza slice and place it cheese side up on your cutting board. You want it cold—cold pizza is easier to fold and won't fall apart on you.
- Load It Up:
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese side, then sprinkle with extra cheese if you're going all in. Be generous but not so much that it explodes out the sides when you fold.
- Fold with Care:
- Fold the slice in half, pressing gently so the filling stays put. You're creating a little pizza pocket that's about to become something special.
- Butter the Outside:
- Spread softened butter all over the outside of each folded pizza slice—this is what gives you that golden, crispy exterior.
- Get the Pan Hot:
- Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for a minute. You want it hot enough that the butter sizzles when it hits, but not so hot that everything burns before the cheese melts.
- Toast the First Side:
- Place the buttered folded pizzas in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy, listening for that satisfying sizzle.
- Flip and Finish:
- Gently flip using a spatula and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese inside is completely melted and the crust is equally golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let it cool for just 1 minute so the melted cheese sets slightly, then slice in half and serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.
Save There's something magical about the moment you pull this out of the pan and see the cheese oozing out the sides. It stops being 'leftovers' and becomes something you're actually proud to eat.
Why This Works So Well
The genius here is that you're using pizza's own structure against it in the best way possible. The cheese and toppings already on the slice act as flavor anchors, the crust becomes your crispy exterior, and everything melts together beautifully. You're not fighting the pizza; you're just convincing it to be something new for a few minutes on the stove.
Playing with Flavors
This is where creativity meets practicality. Pepperoni pizza gives you something savory and salty, veggie pizza stays light and fresh, and BBQ chicken pizza pushes everything into comfort food territory. The chicken ties it all together, but honestly, you could experiment with ground beef, cooked sausage, or even bacon if you have it lying around. The base recipe is flexible enough to follow your leftovers, not the other way around.
Taking It Further
Once you nail the basics, these little tweaks can elevate the whole experience. A sprinkle of hot sauce inside adds kick, fresh basil or oregano brings brightness, and a dipping sauce turns it from snack into something you'd actually serve for lunch. I've found that even something as simple as a different dipping sauce completely changes how this tastes and feels.
- Marinara sauce is your classic choice and lets the pizza flavors shine.
- Ranch dipping sauce makes it feel decadent and a little indulgent.
- Hot sauce cuts through the richness if you want something with a punch.
Save This is the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking is fun—no stress, maximum satisfaction, and something genuinely delicious in under 15 minutes. Keep making it whenever you've got leftover pizza around.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pizza types work best for this dish?
Sturdy crust pizzas like pepperoni, veggie, or BBQ chicken hold up best when folded and toasted.
- → Can I add more cheese inside?
Yes, adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar enhances the melty texture and richness.
- → How do I prevent the pizza from becoming soggy?
Toasting the folded pizza in butter on medium heat crisps the crust and melts the cheese without sogginess.
- → What are good dipping sauces for this dish?
Marinara sauce or ranch dressing complement the flavors and add a tangy or creamy touch.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can assemble in advance and toast just before eating to maintain crispness.