Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Cheese:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 slices hearty bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, â…›-inch thick
- 18 slices pepperoni (cooked in the microwave for 20 seconds and grease dabbed off)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp fresh or dried parsley
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- â…› tsp salt
Optional for Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet set over medium-low heat, add the butter and melt.
- Place two slices of bread side by side in the skillet.
- On each slice of bread, layer a slice of mozzarella, 9 slices of pepperoni, and another slice of mozzarella. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
- Cook on each side for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- While the grilled cheese is cooking, prepare the garlic butter. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry brush, generously brush both sides of the grilled cheese with the garlic butter.
- Cook the grilled cheese for an additional 30 seconds on each side to allow the garlic butter to infuse its flavors.
- Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious fusion of pepperoni pizza and grilled cheese, elevated with the savory goodness of garlic butter
To ensure your Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Garlic Butter turns out perfectly, here are some tips to consider:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, including good-quality mozzarella cheese, hearty bread, and flavorful pepperoni. Fresh ingredients contribute significantly to the overall taste of your grilled cheese.
- Adjust Cheese Thickness: Experiment with the thickness of the mozzarella cheese slices based on your preference. Thicker slices may result in a gooier texture, while thinner slices may melt more quickly.
- Control Pepperoni Grease: Microwave the pepperoni briefly and dab off excess grease with a paper towel. This helps prevent the grilled cheese from becoming too greasy while still imparting the pepperoni flavor.
- Low and Slow Heat: Cook the grilled cheese over medium-low heat. This allows the bread to toast evenly and the cheese to melt without burning. Patience is key to achieving a golden-brown crust.
- Garlic Butter Infusion: Brushing both sides of the grilled cheese with the garlic butter adds a rich and savory flavor. Ensure the butter mixture is well-blended and evenly distributed on the bread for a delicious infusion.
- Customize with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices in the garlic butter mixture. Basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra layers of flavor to your grilled cheese.
- Add Parmesan for Extra Flavor: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the grilled cheese after applying the garlic butter. This adds a delightful savory note and a bit of texture.
- Serve with Marinara: Serve your Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The tanginess of the marinara complements the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: Cooking in a non-stick skillet helps prevent the bread from sticking and ensures even browning. If you prefer to use a different type of pan, consider adding a little extra butter to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with Bread Varieties: Try different types of hearty bread, such as sourdough, Italian, or whole grain, to add unique textures and flavors to your grilled cheese.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Garlic Butter that’s bursting with flavor and has the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory elements. Enjoy your culinary creation
