The Pepperoni Grilled Cheese sandwich is inspired by pizza in all its glorious configurations, but especially those that include this famous topping. Well, that and when a local coffee shop, in a moment of misguided brilliance, removed their own pepperoni grilled cheese from the menu.
To honor the New York slices that inspired it, I look to the cheeses favored by the city’s best pizzerias: Grande and Galbani low-moisture mozzarella. They’re the secret behind that signature stretchy pull. Use one of those for the truest NYC-style experience, though fresh mozzarella will work beautifully too.
Once you’ve mastered the classic combination, the variations practically write themselves. Staying true to the pizza theme, you can layer in ricotta, mushrooms, garlic, onion, jalapeño, or even sausage for a hearty meat-lovers approach. And if you’re the type who can’t resist going all the way, build yourself a full-on supreme—everything included. That adventure, I’ll leave to you.
For anyone without a pizza oven—or the time, talent, or patience to craft legendary dough—this sandwich offers a comforting taste of what makes pepperoni pizza so universally beloved. It’s simple and undeniably satisfying.
Let’s Make A pepperoni Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Build the sandwich by placing the mozzarella and pepperoni on the first slice of bread, then top with the second slice. Place the sandwich in the microwave, cover and cook on high until the pepperoni begins to sweat and the mozzarella is just beginning to melt.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium low heat. When hot, place 2 pats of butter in the skillet, let it melt and swirl to cover the bottom of the skillet. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover and cook until it is lightly browned – about 45 seconds to 1 minute
Uncover, lift it out with a silicone spatula, place the remaining butter in the skillet. Flip the sandwich and cook until the second side is golden brown, about 30-45 seconds longer
Uncover, remove and place it on a cutting board. Slice diagonally and serve with a side of bread and butter pickles.
Pepperoni Grilled Cheese
Grilled Cheese on Brioche with Pepperoni and Mozzarella with Bread and Butter Pickles
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 2 slices brioche bread
- 2 oz sliced mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz pepperoni – thinly sliced
- 1 TBL butter – divided
Instructions
- Build the sandwich by placing the mozzarella and pepperoni on the first slice of bread, then top with the second slice
- Place the sandwich in the microwave, cover and cook on high until the pepperoni begins to sweat and the mozzarella is just beginning to melt
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium low heat. When hot, place 2 pats of butter in the pan, let it melt and swirl to cover the bottom. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover and cook until it is lightly browned – about 45 seconds to 1 minute
- Uncover, lift it out with a silicone spatula, place the remaining butter in the skillet. Flip the sandwich and cook until the second side is golden brown, about 30-45 seconds longer
- Uncover, remove and place it on a cutting board. Slice diagonally and serve with a side of bread and butter pickles