Name: Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Italian); 1 tablespoon butter, softened; 100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced; 40–50 g (1.5 oz) pepperoni slices (about 16 slices); 2 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for dipping); Optional: Pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes

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This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is everything I crave when I want comfort food fast. It combines the best parts of a classic grilled cheese—crispy, buttery bread and melty cheese—with the bold, zesty flavor of pepperoni pizza. The result is a sandwich that’s indulgent, gooey, and completely satisfying. Whether I’m making a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a late-night snack, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this sandwich delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The crispy exterior and molten cheese center take me back to childhood, while the marinara and pepperoni give it that unmistakable pizza flair. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, endlessly customizable, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding picky eaters or treating myself, this mashup always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or Italian)
1 tablespoon butter, softened
100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
40–50 g (1.5 oz) pepperoni slices (about 16 slices)
2 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for dipping)
Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

I start by spreading softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This gives the sandwich that golden, crispy crust I love.
With the buttered sides facing down, I layer mozzarella on one slice, followed by a spoonful of marinara, then the pepperoni slices. I like to sprinkle on a bit of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
I top it with the rest of the cheese and place another slice of bread on top, buttered side out. Then I repeat the process for the second sandwich.
I heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula. Once the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted, I let them rest for a minute before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
For a meat-lovers version, I add salami or cooked sausage.
I swap in provolone, cheddar, or smoked gouda when I want to change up the cheese.
I love using focaccia or garlic Texas toast when I’m feeling extra indulgent.
When I want a hands-off version, I bake them in the oven or air fry for easy cleanup.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I wrap them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture—microwaving just makes the bread soggy, so I avoid it. I’ve also prepped the sandwiches ahead and stored them ungrilled in the fridge, ready to cook when I need them.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely. I’ve used cheddar, provolone, gouda, and even a mozzarella-cheddar mix. As long as it melts well, it works.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

I prefer sourdough or Italian bread for a nice crust and structure, but plain white or even ciabatta works great too.

Can I make this sandwich in an air fryer?

Yes. I air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. It gets super crispy.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

I make sure not to overload it with sauce. Just a thin layer inside and I serve extra on the side for dipping.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the pepperoni and load up on sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions instead. Veggie pepperoni also works great.

Conclusion

This Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese is everything I want in a quick, cheesy, satisfying meal. It’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with the flavors of a classic pizza. I make it when I want something easy but fun, and it’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether I’m dipping it in marinara or pairing it with soup, this sandwich is a comfort food classic I keep coming back to.