Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines two beloved classics – the gooey satisfaction of grilled cheese and the irresistible flavors of pepperoni pizza. This creative sandwich takes the best elements of both dishes and transforms them into a quick, crave-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this pepperoni pizza grilled cheese delivers all the satisfaction of ordering a pizza but comes together in just minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Uses common pantry and fridge ingredients
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
- Crispy exterior with melty, pizza-flavored interior
- Easier and faster than ordering delivery
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough is my go-to, but really, any bread works!)
- 1-2 tablespoons softened butter (because who doesn’t want that crispy, golden crust?)
- 2-3 tablespoons pizza sauce (or marinara—I’ve used leftover spaghetti sauce in a pinch)
- 4-6 slices of pepperoni (more if you’re feeling indulgent, which I usually am)
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese (or enough to blanket your bread—you know the drill)
- A pinch of grated parmesan (optional, but highly encouraged)
- A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning (because we’re going for full pizza vibes here)
Instructions
- Butter your bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Be generous here, this is what gives you that perfect, golden crunch. I’ve tried using less butter, and it just wasn’t the same, so don’t skimp!
- Assemble the sandwich: Take one slice of bread (buttered side down) and spread the pizza sauce on the unbuttered side. Now, layer on your mozzarella, followed by the pepperoni slices. I like to sprinkle a little dried oregano at this point, just to make it feel even more pizza-like. And if you’re a parmesan lover like me, throw a little of that on top too. It’s pizza grilled cheese—there are no rules. (Source: Ineskohl.info)
- Close it up: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Now you’ve got yourself a little sandwich ready for its golden transformation.
- Grill it: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. Don’t rush it—let that bread get nice and golden. When you flip it, press down gently with your spatula to make sure everything inside gets all melty and delicious. Oh, and if your cheese starts oozing out a bit? Perfect. That crispy edge where the cheese hits the pan is a mini bonus snack.
- Flip and repeat: Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You want the cheese to be fully melted, and both sides of the bread to be golden and crispy.
- Slice and devour: Once the sandwich is done, let it sit for a minute before slicing it in half (I know, the waiting is the hardest part). Cut it in half, and watch that glorious cheese stretch—so satisfying.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute Italian bread or Texas toast for sourdough
- Add fresh basil leaves after cooking for extra pizza flavor
- Try different pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers
- Press sandwiches with a spatula while cooking for better melting
- Use pizza sauce instead of marinara for a sweeter taste
Serving Suggestions
Serve these indulgent sandwiches with a light green salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. For the full pizza parlor experience, offer a small bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness
- Cheese should be completely melted and stretchy when done
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble just before cooking.
- Why isn’t my cheese melting properly? Try grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts better.
- Can I freeze these sandwiches? Not recommended, as the texture will suffer upon thawing.
- What’s the best way to prevent burning? Keep heat at medium and watch carefully, adjusting temperature as needed.
Servings4
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Calories—
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough is my go-to, but really, any bread works!)
- 1-2 tablespoons softened butter (because who doesn’t want that crispy, golden crust?)
- 2-3 tablespoons pizza sauce (or marinara—I’ve used leftover spaghetti sauce in a pinch)
- 4-6 slices of pepperoni (more if you’re feeling indulgent, which I usually am)
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese (or enough to blanket your bread—you know the drill)
- A pinch of grated parmesan (optional, but highly encouraged)
- A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning (because we’re going for full pizza vibes here)
Steps
- Butter your bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Be generous here, this is what gives you that perfect, golden crunch. I’ve tried using less butter, and it just wasn’t the same, so don’t skimp!
- Assemble the sandwich: Take one slice of bread (buttered side down) and spread the pizza sauce on the unbuttered side. Now, layer on your mozzarella, followed by the pepperoni slices. I like to sprinkle a little dried oregano at this point, just to make it feel even more pizza-like. And if you’re a parmesan lover like me, throw a little of that on top too. It’s pizza grilled cheese—there are no rules. (Source: Ineskohl.info)
- Close it up: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Now you’ve got yourself a little sandwich ready for its golden transformation.
- Grill it: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. Don’t rush it—let that bread get nice and golden. When you flip it, press down gently with your spatula to make sure everything inside gets all melty and delicious. Oh, and if your cheese starts oozing out a bit? Perfect. That crispy edge where the cheese hits the pan is a mini bonus snack.
- Flip and repeat: Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. You want the cheese to be fully melted, and both sides of the bread to be golden and crispy.
- Slice and devour: Once the sandwich is done, let it sit for a minute before slicing it in half (I know, the waiting is the hardest part). Cut it in half, and watch that glorious cheese stretch—so satisfying.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness
- Cheese should be completely melted and stretchy when done
