Description
Craving the comforting flavors of pizza and grilled cheese combined? Look no further than this Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese recipe! With gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni, and a flavorful pizza butter spread, this sandwich will satisfy your cravings in no time. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
For The Pizza Butter:
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For The Sandwiches:
- 12 slices Italian bread
- ½ lb Munster cheese, sliced
- 48 slices pepperoni
- 4 oz pizza butter (recipe above)
- 2–3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the tomato paste until fluffy.
- Mix in salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder; set aside.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the pepperoni slices until they curl up and begin to render. Transfer cooked pepperoni to paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Spread the pizza butter evenly on 6 slices of Italian bread.
- Top each with Munster cheese slices, pepperoni slices, and additional cheese slices.
- Place remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Grill 2-3 sandwiches at a time. Brush the top of each sandwich with melted butter and place buttered-side down on the skillet. Butter the remaining side.
- Grill until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring the middle melts without scorching the bread.
- Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing, then serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a classic combination, or accompany it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish with Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the grilled cheese sandwiches just before serving to add a burst of freshness and enhance the flavor profile.
- Slice and Share: For a casual gathering or family meal, slice the grilled cheese sandwiches diagonally and arrange them on a platter for easy serving and sharing.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or caramelized onions to customize your grilled cheese sandwiches according to your preferences.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or balsamic glaze on the side for an extra layer of flavor and dipping fun.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated grilled cheese sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sandwiches on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty.
- Freezing: While grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for future enjoyment. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen grilled cheese sandwiches, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the oven as instructed above until warmed through.
- Quality Check: Before consuming refrigerated or frozen grilled cheese sandwiches, ensure they are heated to the proper temperature to ensure food safety. Check that the cheese is fully melted and the sandwich is heated evenly throughout.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese sandwiches, whether you’re enjoying them fresh off the skillet or savoring them later as a convenient and delicious meal option.