Save My roommate's midnight pizza haul one Thursday became the blueprint for this sandwich when I found myself staring at three cold slices wondering why I was about to eat them plain. The thought struck me: what if I treated leftover pizza like two perfectly good bread slices and filled the gap with something hearty? Twenty minutes later, I was biting into something so unexpectedly good that I made two more before the pan cooled down.
I brought these to a friends house for a casual dinner, and watching someone's face light up when they realized the filling was inside the pizza—not on top of it—made me feel like a culinary genius. Someone asked for the recipe immediately, which might be the best compliment a lazy midnight invention can get.
Ingredients
- Leftover pizza (2 large slices): Any style works, but a sturdy crust won't fall apart when you fold it; flimsy delivery box pizza will tear, so save the thicker slices.
- Cooked shredded chicken (1 cup): Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here because it's already seasoned and juicy, but any leftover chicken you have works beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (½ cup, optional): This is your ticket to maximum meltiness, though the pizza already has cheese so it's truly optional if you're keeping it simple.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp), softened: Softened butter spreads easier than cold butter and gives you an even golden crust without cold spots.
Instructions
- Lay out your canvas:
- Take a cold pizza slice and place it cheese side up on your cutting board. The cold pizza is stiff enough to hold its shape, which is exactly what you want right now.
- Build the filling:
- Scatter about half a cup of that shredded chicken across the cheese side of each slice, then add extra cheese if you're feeling generous. The filling will peek out when you fold, which is part of the charm.
- Make the fold:
- Fold each slice in half gently, pressing just enough to keep everything tucked inside without squishing the bread. Think of it like closing a book, not squeezing it.
- Butter the exterior:
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on both the outside surfaces of each folded pizza slice. This is what gives you that beautiful golden crust and crispy edges.
- Toast the first side:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles gently. Place your buttered folds in, buttered side down, and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and finish:
- Carefully flip each one using a spatula, pressing gently as you do. Cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust matches the color of the first side.
- Rest and serve:
- Let everything cool for just a minute so you don't burn the roof of your mouth, then slice each fold in half and serve while it's still hot and the cheese is still stringy.
Save My sister tried this for her kids' lunch and texted me a photo of their empty plates, which somehow felt like winning something. It's funny how the simplest hacks sometimes become the ones people actually make again and again.
Why This Works as a Sandwich
The pizza crust has structure and flavor already baked in, so it doesn't need any special treatment to be decent bread. The cheese on the pizza layer acts as a built-in spread, the chicken adds protein and substance, and folding it means everything stays together as you eat instead of falling apart like a regular grilled cheese might. It's like someone already thought through half the sandwich for you, and you're just finishing the job.
Customization That Actually Matters
The magic of using leftover pizza is that you're already committed to whatever toppings are on it. Pepperoni adds a salty kick, veggie pizza gets earthier with the chicken, and if your leftover is already BBQ chicken pizza, you barely need to think. Don't overthink the additions—the pizza base is doing most of the heavy lifting.
- A drizzle of hot sauce on the inside before cooking kicks everything up a notch without making a mess.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano scattered on the filling layer will release their aroma into the whole sandwich.
- Marinara or ranch for dipping on the side turns this into something even your pickiest friends will finish.
The Right Equipment Matters More Than You'd Think
A nonstick skillet is honestly worth it here because you can use less butter and watch everything cook without obsessing over sticking. The spatula should be flexible enough to get under the fold smoothly but sturdy enough that it doesn't bend under the weight. I learned this the hard way when my flimsy old spatula folded in half mid-flip and I had to start over.
Save This sandwich is proof that some of the best meals come from asking what if when you're staring at leftovers. Give it a shot and let it become your own thing.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use any type of pizza for this dish?
Yes, any leftover pizza with a sturdy crust works best, including pepperoni, veggie, or BBQ chicken styles.
- → Is additional cheese necessary when adding shredded chicken?
Extra shredded mozzarella or cheddar is optional but helps create a richer, meltier filling.
- → What type of pan is recommended for toasting?
A large nonstick skillet ensures even heating and easy flipping for a golden, crispy finish.
- → How long should the folded pizza cook on each side?
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat until the crust is golden and cheese has melted.
- → Can I add toppings or sauces inside before toasting?
Absolutely, adding herbs, hot sauce, or dippings like marinara or ranch can enhance flavor profiles.