Pizza Grilled Cheese
Craving pizza but short on time? This Pizza Grilled Cheese offers the best of both worlds in just minutes. With layers of mozzarella, pepperoni, and a buttery garlic toast finish, this recipe combines the ooey-gooey magic of grilled cheese with the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza. It’s the perfect indulgent lunch or dinner when you’re looking for a quick fix to your pizza cravings.
Mozzarella melts perfectly between two slices of golden-brown bread, while pepperoni adds a savory kick. A touch of garlic butter infuses each bite with rich flavor, making this dish unforgettable. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, and you have a fun twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to be a hit.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself, this Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese will leave everyone satisfied. Let’s dive into the ingredients and find out how to make this cheesy delight!
Main Ingredients for Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread – The perfect thick-cut bread for holding all those delicious pizza flavors.
- Pepperoni – Microwaved and patted dry to keep the sandwich crisp and non-greasy.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melt-in-your-mouth cheese that creates the perfect pizza-like stretch.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich, buttery layer to the bread, giving it a golden finish.
- Garlic Butter (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt) – Infuses the bread with bold, savory garlic flavor for the ultimate indulgence.
Quick and Delicious Pizza Grilled Cheese Instructions
Start by preheating a skillet over medium-low heat and melting a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place two slices of Artesano™ bread into the pan. Add a slice of mozzarella, 9 slices of microwaved pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella on top of each bread slice. Finish the sandwiches by topping them with the remaining bread slices.
Cook each sandwich for around 3 minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the bread turns a beautiful golden brown. While your sandwiches are cooking, prepare the garlic butter by melting the butter and mixing in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, and salt.
Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is melted, brush them generously with the garlic butter on both sides. Cook for an additional 30 seconds per side to let the garlic butter infuse into the bread. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top, and serve your sandwiches with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Grilled Cheese
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter if you enjoy a bit of heat. You can also experiment with other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms or olives. And don’t forget, using freshly grated mozzarella will give you the ultimate cheese pull!
When cooking the sandwiches, keeping the heat on medium-low ensures a perfectly golden crust without burning the bread before the cheese melts. Popping the pepperoni in the microwave beforehand helps reduce grease, making the sandwich less soggy and ensuring a crisp, perfect bite every time.
Storing Your Pizza Grilled Cheese
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, avoid the microwave, which can make the bread soggy. Instead, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side to retain that crisp, golden texture. Alternatively, a quick toast in the oven will work wonders!
Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices of Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
- 18 slices of pepperoni microwaved for 20 seconds and patted dry
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese 1/8-inch thick
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. dried or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat a medium skillet over medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Arrange two slices of bread in the pan.
- On each slice of bread, layer one slice of mozzarella, followed by 9 pepperoni slices, and then another slice of mozzarella. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
- Cook each sandwich for approximately 3 minutes per side or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread turns golden brown.
- While the sandwiches cook, prepare the garlic butter by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, and salt until well combined.
- Once the sandwiches have finished cooking, brush both sides with the prepared garlic butter using a pastry brush. Return the sandwiches to the skillet, cooking each side for an additional 30 seconds to infuse the garlic flavor.
- Remove the sandwiches from the pan, and if desired, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese. Serve alongside your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.