Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or Italian work great)
• 1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 8 slices of pepperoni (or more, depending on preference)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• A nonstick skillet or griddle
• A spatula
• A butter knife (for spreading the butter)
• A small spoon (for spreading sauce)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by buttering one side of each slice of bread. If you want an extra boost of flavor, mix the softened butter with garlic powder and dried oregano before spreading it on the bread. This gives the sandwich that authentic pizza taste.

2. Add Sauce and Cheese

On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce. Be careful not to overdo it—too much sauce can make the sandwich soggy.

Next, layer on the mozzarella cheese. If you’re using shredded mozzarella, make sure to distribute it evenly.

3. Add Pepperoni

Place your pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Feel free to add more or fewer slices depending on your pepperoni preference. You can even mix in other pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives if you’re feeling creative.

4. Assemble the Sandwich

Place the remaining bread slices on top, with the buttered side facing out. This will ensure a crispy, golden crust as it cooks.

5. Cook the Sandwich

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Use your spatula to press down gently on the sandwich while cooking to help everything stick together and the cheese to melt more evenly.

6. Serve

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. If desired, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Slice the sandwiches in half and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Options: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix it up with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Add Veggies: Make your sandwich a little heartier by adding thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to sauté the veggies lightly before adding them to the sandwich to avoid extra moisture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy pepperoni.
• Bread Choices: Sourdough, Italian, or even Texas toast are all great choices for this sandwich. The key is to use bread that will crisp up nicely and hold all the cheesy goodness inside.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these sandwiches are so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat and cook for a couple of minutes on each side to re-crisp the bread and warm the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

What to Serve with Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, here are some great options to pair with it:

• A simple side salad with Italian dressing for a refreshing balance.
• Potato chips or French fries for that classic sandwich side.
• Tomato soup makes an excellent dipping companion for the grilled cheese.
• Pickles or banana peppers add a nice tangy crunch to balance the richness of the sandwich.