Description
A delicious twist on classic grilled cheese combining gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and marinara sauce for a perfect quick meal that tastes like a pepperoni pizza in sandwich form.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or Italian preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or sliced)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or regular, sliced)
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil
For Buttering
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to ensure an even cooking surface for golden, crispy bread.
- Butter Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice to create a crispy, golden crust when grilled. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce as the base layer inside the sandwich.
- Add Fillings: Layer shredded mozzarella cheese, a few slices of pepperoni, and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top of the marinara-covered bread. Add optional toppings like grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place the remaining bread slices on top of the fillings with the buttered side facing outward, forming sandwiches ready to cook.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly to prevent burns, then cut in half and serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use sourdough or Italian bread for best texture and flavor.
- Mini pepperoni works well for even distribution but sliced pepperoni is fine too.
- Adjust Italian seasoning and add red pepper flakes for spice level preference.
- Butter should be softened for easy spreading and even crisping.
- Serve immediately for best melty texture and crispy crust.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the pepperoni and add sliced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
