🚀 Stranger Things Pizza Toasties: Nostalgic, Crunchy, & Groovy 80s Snack Ready in 20 Minutes!
1. Introduction
Grab your Walkman and flashlights—because we’re stepping into the Upside Down with these Stranger Things pizza toasties! Inspired by the iconic Hawkins High hangout spot, these golden-brown, melted-cheese-stuffed toasties mimic the beloved “Surfer Boy Pizza” from the show. Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, with savory tomato sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella layered like a mini pizza pocket—this is comfort food with a time-travel twist. Whether you’re a demogorgon-themed party planner or just craving a nostalgic bite, these toasties transport you straight to 1985’s small-town weirdness. And the best part? They’re ready in under 20 minutes with zero fancy oven required (though you *can* use one if you love a crispy finish).
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in 20 minutes flat—perfect for last-minute 80s movie nights or after-school snacks
- ✅ One-bowl prep, minimal cleanup—no rolling dough or complicated steps
- ✅ Kid-approved & party-ready—great for Super Bowl parties, Halloween, or “Stranger Season”watch-alongs
- ✅ Versatile fillings—swap in your favorite toppings (mushrooms? Extra pineapple? We won’t tell)
- ✅ Air fryer or stovetop friendly—adapt to your kitchen tools & time constraints
3. Kitchen Tools You Need
While you *can* make these in a basic skillet, using the right tools ensures that perfect, even crisp every time—like a true HawkinsITE. Here’s what makes the magic happen:
For rapid, evenly browned toasties without oil splatter, I swear by the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics. Its precise 320°F–400°F range keeps your mozzarella gooey but not burnt—something my first batch (RIP, slightly charred) taught me the hard way! If you like to multitask or love grilled meats alongside your snacks, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo is a weekend MVP—plus, you can roast veggies for a full Hawkins-style snack spread.
And if you’re upgrading your whole kitchen? The KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange isn’t just for bread—it whips up quick pizza-dough buns *or* adds flair to your 80s kitchen vibe.
4. Ingredient Notes
These toasties live or die by your ingredients—so let’s talk smart swaps:
🔥 Tomato Sauce: Use a high-quality San Marzano-based sauce. A *splash* of olive oil and a pinch of sugar balanced the acidity beautifully—just like Dustin would do it. Skip watery canned sauce; drain yours or simmer 2 minutes to thicken.
🧀 Cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are ideal—they melt faster and are less salty than pre-shredded. But if you’re in a pinch, low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella (shredded) works. Add *one* pinch of nutmeg to the cheese—trust me, it enhances the “Hawkins Dairy” vibe.
🍕 Pepperoni: Thicker-cut is better. It holds up in the air fryer or pan and adds that satisfying crunch. Pro tip: Blot with a paper towel to remove excess grease—prevents soggy pockets.
🍞 Bread: Sturdy sourdough or Texas toast (1/2-inch thick) gives structure without getting doughy. Toast *lightly* before assembling, so the outer shell doesn’t tear when flipping.
5. How to Make Stranger Things Pizza Toasties
Phase 1: Prep the Filling (5 minutes)
In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of sugar. Stir in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 4–5 small pepperoni rounds (chopped). Mix gently—you want streaks of red and yellow, not a mushy paste. Let sit 3 minutes for flavors to kiss—like Max and Dustin’s first Netflix binge.
Phase 2: Assemble Like a Pro (5 minutes)
Lay 2 slices of sourdough side by side. Spread 1/2 the filling over each slice, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top with the remaining bread slices. Gently press down to “seal”—don’t squish, or your pizza river will escape. Brush the *outsides* lightly with melted butter (not margarine—it burns faster and lacks that 80s richness).
Phase 3: Cook to Golden Perfection (5–7 minutes)
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place toasties in a single layer (don’t crowd!). Cook 4 minutes, flip, then 2–3 more minutes until deeply golden and cheese oozes when poked. Pro visual cue: The crust should sound hollow when tapped—like a bass line in an Eighties synth track.
Stovetop Method: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-low. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula for even contact. If butter browns too fast, reduce heat— Patience, Nancy. Better results take time.
Phase 4: Slice & Serve (2 minutes)
Let rest 1 minute (so the cheese sets just enough), then cut in half diagonally to reveal the cheesy, saucy swirl inside—just like the classic “Surfer Boy” logo. Serve with a side of pickles (classic 80s tavern staple) or a dollop of extra sauce for dunking.
6. Expert Tips for Success
Here’s what separates okay toasties from legendary ones:
- Freeze for 10 minutes before cooking—this prevents leaks and helps hold shape, especially if using a soft bread.
- Don’t overfill—1/4 cup max per sandwich. Too much → explosive cheese volcanoes (learned from my kitchen ceiling).
- Cook in batches—crowding causes steaming, not crisping. Give those air fryer baskets breathing room!
- Cook at lower heat longer—high heat burns the outside before melting the center. Slow and steady wins the race.
- Use a lid or splatter screen when pan-frying—melted cheese can leap like a demogorgon from the dark.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Customize your Hawkins-style snack with ease:
- Vegan: Swap cheese for Miyoko’s melted mozzarella and use plant-based pepperoni (or sliced marinated mushrooms + smoked paprika).
- Gluten-Free: Try Udi’s or Schar Italian-style rolls sliced sandwich-thick.
- Meat-Lover’s upgrade: Add crumbled Italian sausage (cooked & cooled) and extra bacon.
- Pineapple option: Yes, controversial—but 3 thin rings of canned pineapple per toastie? 1980s Hawkins would approve.
- Spicy Kaiju: Toss in 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes with the sauce—or drizzle with sriracha after cooking.
8. Storage & Reheating
These toasties are best fresh—but life happens. Here’s how to save them:
- ✅ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place paper towel between layers to absorb moisture.
- 🔥 Reheat smart: Air fry at 325°F for 3–4 minutes (not the microwave—it’ll soggify the crust). For extra zip, brush with butter before reheating.
- ❄️ Freeze uncooked: Assemble, freeze on a tray 2 hours, then transfer to bags. Cook from frozen—add 2–3 minutes to air fry time.
9. FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen pre-sliced sandwich bread?
A: Yes—but it’s thinner and browns faster. Lower heat to 325°F in the air fryer and check at 3 minutes.
Q: What if my toasties leak? How do I fix it?
A: Immediately spoon the leaked filling back in, and pat dry the air fryer basket. Next time, freeze 10 minutes before cooking—this sets the “seal.”
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Absolutely! 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway.Broil 1–2 minutes for extra color (watch closely!).
Q: Are these kid-friendly? Any allergy concerns?
A: Yes! Just omit pepperoni for a cheese-only “Eleven’s Favorite” version. For dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter on the crust and vegan cheese.
10. Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Stranger Things pizza toasties, a nostalgic bite that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re hosting a “Upside Down” party or just need a quick midweek mood boost, this recipe brings the 80s right to your kitchen counter. Pair with Minecraft Golden Apple Caramel Treats for a fantasy-meets-funk combo, or try Hocus Pocus Spellbook Brownies for a magical dessert stretch. Now go forth, flip those toasties with confidence—and remember: never trust the Demogorgon… but always trust melted cheese. 🍕✨
Print
Stranger Things 5 Surfer Boy Pizza Toasties
A nostalgic, easy-to-make twist on grilled cheese—loaded with pizza fixings and grilled until golden and melty. Inspired by Hawkins favorite snacks.
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwich servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (preferably sourdough or Italian)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On two slices, layer mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of marinara. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out.
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Mix oregano and garlic powder; sprinkle over toasties. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, cover skillet with a lid while cooking for 1 minute.
- Use dairy-free cheese and pepperoni alternatives for vegan version.
- Serve with extra marinara for dipping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
