This Ultra Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on the classic! Imagine gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, and buttery toasted bread all in one delicious sandwich!
Honestly, what’s better than a sandwich that combines pizza and grilled cheese? I love dipping it in marinara sauce for that extra zing—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend sourdough for its nice texture and flavor, but any white bread works perfectly. If you want something gluten-free, look for gluten-free bread options!
Butter: Softened butter is important for spreading on the bread. You can use olive oil or dairy-free butter if you prefer. It won’t give the same richness, but it’ll still toast well!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that great meltiness! You could swap some of it for cheddar for a different flavor or even use vegan cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Pepperoni: Traditional sliced pepperoni is classic here. However, turkey pepperoni or even veggies like spinach or mushrooms make a tasty alternative if you’re cutting back on meat.
Pizza sauce: Any store-bought pizza sauce works, but if you’re out, try using marinara sauce or even ketchup as a last resort. It’s not traditional, but it does the trick in a pinch!
How Do I Make Sure My Grilled Cheese is Perfectly Crispy and Cheesy?
Achieving the perfect crispy texture while ensuring the cheese melts can be tricky. Here are some key tips to help:
- Keep your skillet on medium heat – too hot, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Don’t skimp on the butter—it helps achieve that golden, crispy crust. Cover every edge of the bread.
- Allow the sandwiches to cook quietly for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you ever find the bread browning too fast, lower the heat.
- Let the sandwiches rest for a minute once removed from the skillet. This helps the cheese set slightly, making slicing easier!
How to Make Ultra Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably sourdough or white)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sandwich will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 18 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your warm and cheesy creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Butter the Bread:
Start by spreading a light layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Make sure the buttered side is ready to get nice and crispy when you toast them in the skillet.
2. Spread the Sauce:
Take two slices of bread and flip them so the unbuttered side is facing up. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over each slice. This will be the delicious base for our cheesy fillings!
3. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce on each of the two slices. Don’t be shy; we want it nice and cheesy!
4. Layer on the Pepperoni:
Next, arrange the sliced pepperoni neatly on top of the cheese. If you like, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for an extra flavor boost.
5. Extra Cheese, Please:
For even more cheesiness, add another layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni. This will help hold everything together nicely!
6. Form the Sandwiches:
Take the other two slices of bread and place them on top of the prepared slices, with the buttered side facing out. You now have two delicious sandwiches ready to be cooked!
7. Cook in the Skillet:
Heat a skillet on medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is melty and gooey!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them in half for easy eating. Serve warm with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping, and enjoy your delicious Ultra Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for its melting qualities, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure to shred or slice them thinly for even melting.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Pizza Sauce?
If you’re out of pizza sauce, marinara sauce or any basic tomato sauce can work well as a substitute. You could also mix in a few seasonings like garlic powder and oregano to enhance the flavor if desired!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, a skillet or toaster oven will help restore that crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave if you can to prevent sogginess!
Can I Make This Grilled Cheese Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can omit the pepperoni and add more veggies instead, like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These additions will complement the cheese and keep it flavorful without the meat!
