This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together two favorites—pizza and grilled cheese! Loaded with cheesy goodness and savory pepperoni, it’s a fun twist on lunch.
Honestly, who can resist the gooey cheese stretching from a warm sandwich? I love to pair it with marinara sauce for dipping. It’s pizza time, anytime! 🍕🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick white bread like Texas toast is great for this sandwich. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free bread, those can work well too! Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that classic stretchy cheese effect. Provolone adds extra creaminess, but if you don’t have it, you can use cheddar or even a pizza cheese blend. Just choose what you like best!
Pepperoni: You can Substitute turkey or veggie pepperoni if you want to lower the fat or make it vegetarian. Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can also add a fun twist to your sandwich.
Pizza Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara works just as well. You can even use a store-bought tomato sauce; just sprinkle in some Italian seasoning to give it that pizza flavor.
How Do I Get My Sandwiches Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfectly crispy outer layer, start by using softened butter to spread evenly on the bread. This helps it crisp up beautifully as it cooks. Don’t rush the cooking process! Use medium heat and take your time, allowing the bread to turn golden brown while the cheese inside melts.
- Press down gently with a spatula while cooking for a crispy seal.
- If your bread browns too quickly, lower the heat and cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt properly.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle a touch of cornmeal or Parmesan cheese on the outside before grilling!
Enjoy making these delicious Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches! They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!
How to Make a Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of thick white bread (such as Texas toast or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/3 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sandwich will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. So, in about 20 minutes, you can indulge in a hot and cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
Start by spreading softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This helps create that golden, crispy crust when cooking. Set the bread aside for now.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take four slices of the bread and place them buttered side down. On the unbuttered side, spread about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly. Then, sprinkle on a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheeses—about 1/4 cup per sandwich. Next, layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese and sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for that classic pizza taste!
3. Create the Sandwiches:
Top off each assembled sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, keeping the buttered side facing out. Now you have four beautiful sandwiches ready for cooking!
4. Cook the Sandwiches:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place one sandwich in the pan (or two if there’s enough space). Cook each sandwich for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Gently press down with a spatula to help it cook evenly until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower your heat slightly and consider covering the pan for a minute or two to help the cheese melt properly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for about a minute. You can slice them in half if you’d like. Serve with warmed pizza or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Dive into this delicious sandwich—it’s sure to be a hit!
This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines the best of both worlds: the crispy, buttery goodness of a grilled cheese and the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner—enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will add a nutty flavor, and gluten-free bread can work just as well. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have Provolone Cheese?
No worries! You can use just mozzarella, or substitute with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. The key is to use cheese that melts well for that gooey texture!
How Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add olives for a bit of extra flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave, but keep in mind the bread may get a bit soft.
