Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the melty goodness of grilled cheese with the bold, savory flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza. It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with cheesy, saucy, pepperoni goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a nostalgic snack, this sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
2 slices hearty bread (sourdough, Italian, or ciabatta)
½ cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
6–8 slices pepperoni
2 tablespoons thick marinara sauce
1 tablespoon butter or garlic butter, for spreading
Optional Additions
Fresh basil or oregano
Red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan (for outer crust)
Sautéed mushrooms or onions
Garlic butter (instead of regular)
Instructions
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Prep Your Ingredients
Shred the mozzarella, slice your bread, and prepare any extras. Lightly crisp the pepperoni in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Set aside. -
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread marinara on one side of each bread slice. On one slice, layer shredded mozzarella, followed by the crisped pepperoni. Add any extras like red pepper flakes or herbs. Close with the second slice of bread, sauce side down. -
Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spread butter on the outside of both bread slices. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, pressing gently with a spatula. -
Rest and Serve
Let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before slicing. Cut diagonally and serve with a side of marinara for dipping if desired.
Notes
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Use thick bread to prevent sogginess and hold up to the fillings.
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Don’t overload the sauce – a light layer inside is plenty.
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Crisping the pepperoni removes excess grease and intensifies flavor.
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Add flavor by mixing cheeses, like provolone or sharp cheddar.
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Serve with tomato soup, salad, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: lunch
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1130mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Pepperoni pizza grilled cheese