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Ever wanted to mix two comfort food favorites into one amazing handheld treat? This sandwich combines gooey mozzarella and tasty pepperoni between crispy garlic-parm bread slices. It's basically pizza you can hold, and it's done super fast!
I came up with this idea one stormy day when my children couldn't decide between cheesy sandwiches or pizza for lunch. The mash-up I created ended up becoming the most asked-for meal in our house, and now we make it at least twice every month.
What You'll Need
- Unsalted butter: Forms the foundation of our garlic mixture while letting you manage how salty it gets
- Grated Parmesan: Delivers that rich, cheesy taste that makes it taste like real pizza
- Garlic powder: Gives the butter amazing flavor without burning like fresh garlic can
- Italian seasoning: Adds those familiar pizza herb flavors in every mouthful
- White bread: Works as the ideal foundation with its mild taste and ability to get perfectly crispy
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that must-have stretchy pull when it melts just right
- Pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza flavor and nice texture difference
- Pizza sauce: Makes the perfect sidekick for dunking each bite
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How To Make It
- Mix up the garlic butter:
- Stir softened butter together with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Mix it all up until everything's blended really well. This tasty spread is what makes plain bread taste like awesome garlic bread on the outside.
- Get your bread ready:
- Smear the garlic butter mix all over one side of each bread slice. Don't miss the corners - you want flavor and crispiness everywhere.
- Stack everything up:
- Put one bread slice in your cold pan with the butter facing down. Layer on two mozzarella slices, then arrange pepperoni all over, then add another mozzarella slice on top. This cheese-pepperoni-cheese setup keeps the bread from getting soggy from pepperoni oil.
- Finish the sandwich:
- Top it with your second bread slice, making sure the buttered side faces up. Both outer sides need butter to get that amazing golden crunch.
- Cook it slowly:
- Turn the heat to medium-low and let it cook about 3-4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip it carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Slow cooking means perfectly melted cheese and super crispy outside.
- Eat it while it's hot:
- Cut it corner to corner for the best cheese stretch and serve with warm pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
That garlic butter really makes all the difference in this sandwich. I found out after trying lots of versions that letting butter soften naturally instead of zapping it spreads way better and mixes more evenly with the seasonings. My little girl now always asks for extra garlic butter and calls her sandwich the "pizza bread special."
Great Side Dishes
Make your sandwich into a full meal by adding a simple green salad with Italian dressing on the side. The tangy freshness cuts through the richness of the sandwich perfectly. Want something heartier? Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food combo that'll make everyone at the table happy.
Picking The Right Cheese
Those pre-packaged mozzarella slices work fine, but grabbing a block of low-moisture mozzarella and cutting it yourself makes a big difference. Fresh-cut cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better too. Feeling fancy? Try mixing in some provolone or fontina with your mozzarella for extra flavor depth.
Mix It Up
Customize this sandwich with whatever pizza toppings you love most. Throw in some thin-sliced mushrooms, peppers, or olives between the cheese layers. If you're big on meat, add some cooked Italian sausage or bacon pieces. Don't eat meat? Skip the pepperoni and load up with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers instead - it'll still taste amazing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch out the bread?
Sure, swap white bread for options like sourdough, whole grain, or any sturdy loaf for more flavor and texture.
- → How do I make it vegetarian?
It's simple—just leave out the pepperoni or use plant-based substitutes like veggie pepperoni or roasted veggies.
- → Which mozzarella works best here?
Low-moisture mozzarella is the best pick since it melts well and doesn't make the sandwich soggy.
- → Is a panini press a good idea?
Absolutely, a panini press cooks it evenly and gives both sides a wonderful crispy finish.
- → What dips can I try instead of pizza sauce?
Marinara, ranch, pesto, or even spicy garlic dip are all great options for dunking.
- → How can I tweak the fillings?
Add veggies like mushrooms, onions, or peppers, or try swapping the pepperoni for deli meats or other cheeses you love.