Pin it
This sandwich takes pizza and grilled cheese and smashes them together for a mouthwatering treat. The stretchy mozzarella wraps around zesty pepperoni, all tucked between buttery bread with garlic flavor that turns golden and crisp. I make this when I'm dying for pizza but don't have time to wait.
I came up with this idea during a stormy weekend when the kids wanted pizza but delivery wasn't an option. Now they ask for these sandwiches more than they want actual pizza, especially during our family movie nights.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Gives you that golden outside without making it too salty
- Sara Lee Artesano Bread: Its tender feel and touch of sweetness makes it work really well
- Mozzarella cheese: Fat slices melt beautifully and give you that awesome stringy pull
- Pepperoni slices: Warming them up first cuts down on grease but keeps all the good taste
- Fresh or dried parsley: Brings some color and freshness to your garlic butter
- Italian seasoning: Adds those classic pizza flavors we all love
- Garlic powder: Flavors the butter nicely without burning like fresh garlic would
- Salt: Boosts all the tastes and cuts through the richness
How To Make It
- Get Your Base Ready:
- Melt some butter in a medium pan over gentle heat. This slow approach stops burning while cooking everything through. Put two bread pieces side by side in the melted butter as the foundation for your awesome grilled cheese creations.
- Stack Your Fillings:
- Build each sandwich carefully for the best outcome. First put one mozzarella slice on each bread piece, then lay out 9 pepperoni pieces evenly, and top with another mozzarella slice. The cheese on both sides keeps pepperoni from falling out. Cover with your other bread pieces and cook about 3 minutes each side until cheese starts to melt.
- Whip Up Garlic Butter:
- While your sandwiches cook, melt butter in a bowl that's safe for the microwave. Mix in parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until everything's blended. This fragrant mix will turn ordinary grilled cheese into something special that reminds you of tasty garlic bread.
- Add The Final Touch:
- Brush plenty of garlic butter mix on both sides of your partly cooked sandwiches. Put them back in the pan for another 30 seconds per side. This last cooking step fills the bread with garlicky goodness and makes that irresistible golden outside.
Pin it
That quick microwave step for the pepperoni seems tiny but really matters. I figured this out after serving greasy sandwiches that had everyone grabbing lots of napkins. Now you get all the flavor without the mess.
Storage And Reheating
These taste amazing right after you make them when the cheese is all melty and the bread is still crunchy. If you have leftovers, you can keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don't use the microwave to reheat them or your bread will get soggy. Instead, put the sandwich in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes each side until it's warm and crispy again.
Customization Options
While pepperoni gives you that classic pizza taste, this sandwich works great with other pizza toppings too. You can try adding thin slices of mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for a loaded supreme version. If you love meat, throw in some cooked sausage bits or ham chunks with the pepperoni. For vegetarians, swap the pepperoni for roasted veggies with Italian herbs.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
Make your pepperoni pizza grilled cheese even better by serving it with a small dish of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy sauce works perfectly with the rich sandwich. For a full meal, add a simple green salad with Italian dressing to balance out the richness. In cold weather, tomato soup makes an awesome partner, creating the ultimate comfort food combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the cheese?
Mozzarella gives that classic stretchy, cheesy feel, but it’s fine to mix it up. Use cheddar, provolone, or even a cheese blend. Keeping some mozzarella in the mix helps maintain that iconic pull, though.
- → What’s the point of microwaving the pepperoni first?
Popping the pepperoni in the microwave helps it crisp up by melting off excess grease. This step keeps your sandwich from turning messy or oily, leaving you with a nice crunchy texture.
- → Can I prep this sandwich for later?
This one’s best enjoyed right after it’s made since the melted cheese and toasted bread are key. But you can always whip up the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
- → What pairs well with this sandwich?
Dip it in marinara for extra flavor! You can also add some greens like a side salad, go hearty with tomato soup, or serve it with roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
- → Can I use a panini press instead of frying it in a skillet?
For sure! A panini press does the job. Just spread the garlic butter on the bread’s outer sides and press. Cook until you’ve got gooey cheese and crunchy, golden bread.
- → Any options for skipping butter?
If you want to avoid butter, olive oil works as a good substitute for cooking and spreading. Mayonnaise is another clever option for grilling—it gives the bread a satisfying crunchy finish.