Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese combines the best of two classic comfort foods—gooey grilled cheese and savory pepperoni pizza. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack!

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, or Italian)
• Butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 24 slices pepperoni
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Skillet:

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

2. Butter the Bread:

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.

3. Add Pizza Sauce:

Spread the pizza sauce evenly onto the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.

4. Add the Cheese and Pepperoni:

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza sauce. Arrange 6 slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese for each slice of bread.

5. Season:

Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) over the pepperoni.

6. Assemble the Sandwich:

Top each sandwich with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.

7. Cook the Sandwiches:

Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

8. Serve:

Remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with additional pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.

Serving:

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes

Variations:

• Extra Toppings: Add sliced olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra pizza flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or cheddar cheese for a different twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for crispy bread.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cheese and sauce.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before cooking.

Q: Can I use another type of bread?
A: Yes, you can use any bread you like. Italian or sourdough bread works great for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is a fun and easy recipe that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Perfect for pizza and grilled cheese lovers alike, it’s a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds!