Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love pizza and grilled cheese, this recipe brings you the best of both worlds. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. The combination of melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara is pure comfort food, made even better with that crispy, buttery toast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread slices (white, sourdough, or your favorite type)

• Butter or mayonnaise (for spreading)

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)

• Pepperoni slices

• Marinara or pizza sauce

• Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

• Italian seasoning (optional)

Directions

1. Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.

2. Place the bread slices buttered side down on a hot skillet or griddle.

3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side.

4. Add a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

5. Layer with pepperoni slices.

6. Optionally, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.

7. Top with the second slice of bread, sauce side down.

8. Cook on medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.

9. Slice and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches and takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Veggie Version: Replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.

• Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella.

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and check your sauce for gluten.

• Low-Carb: Make it with keto bread or use cauliflower sandwich thins.

Storage/Reheating

These sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Wrap in foil and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for different flavors.

What type of bread works best?

Sturdy bread like sourdough, Italian, or Texas toast holds up well to the fillings.

Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal for freezing due to the texture change, but you can freeze and reheat if needed.

Can I make it in a panini press?

Yes, a panini press works great and gives you a nice even crisp.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with veggie toppings like mushrooms or peppers.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy bread?

Use a thin layer of sauce and cook on medium heat to ensure crispiness.

Can I use pizza dough instead of bread?

Yes, you can roll out pizza dough, stuff it, and cook like a calzone or toast it.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love both pizza and grilled cheese, making this a winner.

Can I prep it ahead?

You can prep the sandwiches and refrigerate them; just cook when ready to serve.

What sauce is best for this recipe?

Use a thick pizza or marinara sauce for best results, so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s perfect for any pizza lover. Quick to whip up and endlessly customizable, it’s a fun and flavorful way to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making a fast lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich hits all the right notes.

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

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A fusion of two comfort food favorites—grilled cheese and pepperoni pizza. This sandwich features gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce between crispy golden bread.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or your favorite type)

Butter or mayonnaise (for spreading)

1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese

Pepperoni slices

Marinara or pizza sauce

Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

Italian seasoning (optional)

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Instructions

1. Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
2. Place the bread slices buttered side down on a hot skillet or griddle.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread.
4. Top with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
5. Layer with pepperoni slices and optionally sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.
6. Top with the second slice of bread, sauce side down.
7. Cook on medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
8. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

• For a veggie version, replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• Use a mix of provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella for an extra cheesy bite.
• Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check the sauce ingredients.
• For a low-carb option, use keto bread or cauliflower sandwich thins.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg