Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
The Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is a warm, melty, and delightfully spicy sandwich that combines the gooey richness of classic grilled cheese with the bold, savory flavors of pepperoni pizza. Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or cozy meal, this recipe offers a crispy buttery crust with melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni inside, elevated with marinara sauce and optional herbs, making it a comforting and customizable treat.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread is used)
Bread
- 2 thick slices of white or sourdough bread (or gluten-free bread for dietary needs)
Cheese & Meats
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for layering if desired)
- 6–8 slices of pepperoni
Sauces & Fats
- 2 tablespoons marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or olive oil for grilling
Optional Herbs and Spices
- Oregano, red pepper flakes, or other herbs/spices to taste
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and pre-slice the bread if not already done. Have cheese shredded and pepperoni slices ready to layer for efficient assembly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on one side of each bread slice. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by an even layer of pepperoni slices. Add a little extra mozzarella on top if you prefer it extra cheesy.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of both bread slices. This helps achieve the golden, crispy crust essential to a perfect grilled cheese.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking and better flavor melding.
- Serve Hot and Enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the skillet once both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the ultimate cheesy and spicy delight.
Notes
- Use room temperature softened butter for even crisping and to prevent tearing the bread.
- Cook on medium to low heat to allow cheese to melt thoroughly before the bread browns too much.
- Don’t overstuff the sandwich to avoid sogginess and uneven cooking.
- If cheese isn’t melting fast enough, cover the pan with a lid briefly to trap heat and speed melting.
- Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking to bind ingredients and boost flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, pepperoni pizza, sandwich, quick lunch, melty cheese, spicy, comfort food, easy recipe, gluten-free option