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This mash-up sandwich blends the comfort of gooey grilled cheese with zesty pepperoni pizza flavors. The mix of stretchy mozzarella and crispy pepperoni tucked between slices of bread brushed with tasty garlic butter gives you a quick fix that tackles cravings for both classics in one bite.
I whipped these up one day when the kids wanted pizza but we were running short on time. Now they actually ask for these instead of delivery when we're busy, and I'm happy I can get them fed in just minutes.
Ingredients
- Artesano bread: Gives you that ideal combo of firmness and softness to hold everything nicely
- Mozzarella cheese: Delivers that wonderful pizza-like stretch when it melts
- Pepperoni: Adds that unmistakable pizza taste with a hint of spice
- Unsalted butter: Lets you manage how salty your sandwich turns out
- Garlic powder: Packs in that garlicky taste without burning like fresh chunks might
- Italian seasoning: Brings in those classic pizza herb flavors
- Fresh or dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and light flavor to the butter mix
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the skillet:
- Warm up a medium skillet over medium low heat and drop in a tablespoon of butter. Wait for it to fully melt and spread across the pan. This sets you up for even browning without burning your creation.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Put two bread slices next to each other in the pan. Cover each with a slice of mozzarella, then arrange 9 pepperoni pieces in one layer, and top with another slice of mozzarella. Using cheese on both sides keeps the pepperoni in place and makes sure you get that perfect melt throughout.
- Initial cooking:
- Cap each stack with the remaining bread and cook about 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them since timing changes based on your stove. You want the bread golden brown and cheese starting to melt before you flip them.
- Make the garlic butter:
- While your sandwiches cook, melt 3 tablespoons butter in the microwave. Mix in parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt until everything's well blended. This mix creates that amazing garlic bread flavor that makes this sandwich special.
- Apply garlic butter and finish:
- Brush plenty of garlic butter mix on both sides of each sandwich. Put them back in the skillet for 30 seconds on each side to toast the garlic butter into the bread. This gives you that crispy, tasty outside that brings the whole pizza feeling home.
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This sandwich takes me back to my college years when pizza and grilled cheese were pretty much all I ate. Putting them together was a game-changer that's stuck with me ever since. That garlic butter really makes all the difference, turning a basic sandwich into something you'll actually crave.
Time Saving Tips
You can mix up the garlic butter up to three days early and keep it in the fridge. Just warm it for a few seconds in the microwave before you need it.
To make things even quicker, try keeping some precooked pepperoni around. Many stores now sell crunchy pepperoni chips that work great in this sandwich without needing to microwave them first.
Getting all your stuff measured and ready before you start makes putting everything together super fast and smooth, which really helps when you've got hungry kids asking when dinner will be ready.
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Customization Ideas
This grilled cheese works as the perfect base for whatever pizza toppings you love. Try stuffing in some thin bell pepper slices, mushrooms, or olives if you want veggies. For meat fans, bacon, ham, or crumbled Italian sausage fit right in.
If you want to play with different cheeses, try sprinkling some parmesan between the mozzarella layers for extra kick, or swap out one mozzarella slice with provolone instead.
Fans of fresh herbs can jazz up the garlic butter with some basil or oregano when they're in season for that amazing smell and taste that reminds you of fresh pizza.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich tastes great by itself, but it goes really well with a simple green salad topped with Italian dressing to cut through the richness.
For that complete pizza joint feel at home, set out a small dish of warm marinara sauce on the side so everyone can dunk their bites.
During game days or casual get-togethers, cut the sandwiches into quarters and serve them as finger food alongside other snacks for a kicked-up pizza experience.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → What bread should I pick?
Go for thick and fluffy bread like Sara Lee® Artesano™ for that perfect crunch outside while keeping everything inside secure.
- → Can I swap out the cheese?
Sure thing, try provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella if you want to mix up the taste a bit.
- → How do I whip up the garlic butter?
Just melt some unsalted butter and mix in some parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and a tiny bit of salt for a super tasty spread.
- → Can I make these sandwiches early?
They taste way better right after cooking, but you can get the garlic butter ready and set out all your stuff beforehand to save time.
- → What goes well on the side?
Try some marinara sauce for dipping or add a simple salad to make it a full meal.