Pepperoni pizza grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed. This gooey, savory sandwich brings together the best parts of pepperoni pizza and grilled cheese in just 10 minutes. Imagine golden, buttery garlic toast wrapped around layers of melty mozzarella and crispy pepperoni—all toasted to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly lunch, or a fun game day snack, this recipe has you covered. Get ready to fall in love with every cheesy, garlicky, pizza-loaded bite.
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you adore the flavors of pizza and crave the simplicity of grilled cheese, this recipe will become your new favorite. It delivers the nostalgia of classic comfort food with a flavorful twist. The buttery garlic bread exterior adds an herby crunch while the pepperoni and mozzarella create a rich, indulgent filling. It’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for picky eaters and food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 slices Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
- 12 slices mozzarella cheese (about 1/8-inch thick)
- 54 slices pepperoni, cooked and grease dabbed off
For the Garlic Butter:
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ teaspoon fresh or dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅜ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Prep the Pepperoni: Microwave the pepperoni on a paper towel-lined plate for 20-25 seconds to reduce grease. Pat dry.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices. On six slices, layer one slice of mozzarella, nine pieces of pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella. Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cooking each side for about 3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 9 tablespoons of butter. Stir in parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add the Garlic Butter Finish: Brush garlic butter on both sides of each sandwich and return them to the skillet. Toast for 30 seconds on each side until fragrant and crispy.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve with marinara for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Cook low and slow: Avoid high heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Use an electric skillet: If you’re making several sandwiches, this helps maintain even heat and efficiency.
- Pre-cook the pepperoni: Microwaving helps render out grease and improves texture.
- Layer properly: Cheese on both sides of the pepperoni ensures maximum meltiness and acts like glue for the sandwich.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese swaps: Try white cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Add veggies: Include olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Protein twists: Swap pepperoni with bacon, ham, or sausage.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy marinara.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each sandwich in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For refrigerated sandwiches, heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered for 1-2 minutes, then uncover to crisp. From frozen, bake at 350°F for 12-18 minutes. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 625 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Cholesterol: 127mg
- Sodium: 1086mg
- Potassium: 195mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 1120 IU
- Calcium: 379mg
- Iron: 2.7mg
Serving Suggestions
- Marinara on the side: Perfect for dipping to complete the pizza experience.
- Pair with soup: Tomato basil soup makes a classic combo.
- Serve with salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- Kids lunchbox favorite: Cool, cut into triangles, and pack for a fun lunch.
- Party platter: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a savory party snack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Can I use shredded cheese instead of sliced? Yes, shredded mozzarella works well, but sliced cheese melts more evenly and stays in place better during cooking.
Is it okay to skip the garlic butter? You can, but the garlic butter adds a ton of flavor and makes the sandwich taste like garlic bread pizza.
What if I don’t eat pork? Try turkey pepperoni or vegetarian alternatives. You can also use sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Can I make this in the oven? Absolutely. Assemble the sandwiches and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I prevent soggy sandwiches? Make sure to cook the pepperoni beforehand to remove excess grease and toast the sandwiches over medium-low heat for a crisp finish.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this irresistible Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese. It’s such a fun, cheesy twist on a timeless classic that delivers both ease and unforgettable flavor. I absolutely love how it combines the crispy, garlicky crunch of grilled cheese with the savory, spicy punch of pepperoni pizza. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a quick lunch, this recipe is a surefire hit. I hope you enjoy every bite and feel inspired to make it your own. Happy cooking and thanks for being part of this delicious journey!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the cheesy, gooey joy of grilled cheese with the bold, savory flavor of pepperoni pizza. Layered with mozzarella and crispy pepperoni between buttery garlic toast, this 10-minute sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacks. Quick, family-friendly, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 slices Sara Lee® Artesano™ Bread
12 slices mozzarella cheese (1/8-inch thick)
54 slices pepperoni, cooked and grease dabbed off
For the Garlic Butter:
9 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ teaspoon fresh or dried parsley
¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
⅜ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep the Pepperoni: Microwave the pepperoni on a paper towel-lined plate for 20-25 seconds to reduce grease. Pat dry.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out the bread slices. On six slices, layer one slice of mozzarella, nine pieces of pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella. Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Cook the Grilled Cheese: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cooking each side for about 3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the 9 tablespoons of butter. Stir in parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add the Garlic Butter Finish: Brush garlic butter on both sides of each sandwich and return them to the skillet. Toast for 30 seconds on each side until fragrant and crispy.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve with marinara for dipping.
Notes
Cook sandwiches slowly over medium-low heat to prevent burning while the cheese melts.
For multiple sandwiches, use an electric skillet for even cooking.
Pre-cooking the pepperoni reduces grease and improves texture.
Customize with your favorite cheeses or pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage.
Freeze individually for easy grab-and-heat meals later.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 29g