Pizza Panini With Mozzarella Pepperoni

Craving all the best parts of pizza but want a quick fix you can savor at lunchtime This pizza panini is my go to answer for busy nights when the family wants something cheesy toasty and totally crave worthy without fussing with dough or long bake times

This recipe became a weeknight lifesaver when my kids begged for pizza but I did not feel like rolling out dough That crunchy golden crust hooked us for good

Ingredients

• Hearty bread slices like sourdough or ciabatta: Gives sturdy bite and stands up to melting cheese Look for loaves with a crisp crust
• Pizza sauce or marinara: Delivers all the herby tomato flavors of pizza in a spread Check for sauces with simple ingredients and rich tomato aroma
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Offers melty stretch and a clean creamy flavor Find balls that feel moist and slice easily
• Pepperoni slices: Classic for a peppery punch Opt for thin even rounds from the deli
• Olive oil spray: Helps get a golden crisp exterior without extra greasiness Choose a high quality olive oil for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread:

Slice your bread thick enough to support fillings about three quarters of an inch If using ciabatta pull out some of the inner bread by hand to make room for fillings without flattening the loaf

Sauce the Slices:

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the inside of each bread slice Make sure to cover edge to edge so every bite is flavorful

Layer the Fillings:

Place sliced mozzarella evenly over one half of the bread then arrange pepperoni slices across the cheese Try not to crowd the edges so cheese will not ooze

Assemble and Spray:

Close up the sandwich with the other slice of bread Press gently then lightly coat both outer sides with olive oil spray for toasty crunch

Grill the Sandwich:

Place sandwich on your hot panini press or grill pan If you do not have a press use a heavy skillet to weigh it down Grill until the bread is deeply golden and the cheese inside is bubbling typically three to four minutes each side

Rest and Slice:

Let the panini rest for one to two minutes on a cutting board before slicing This helps the cheese settle so your sandwich holds together perfectly

Fresh mozzarella is the real game changer in this recipe Thanks to its stretchy melt my son declared it tasted just like pizza getting everyone to cheer at first bite

Storage Tips

Leftover pizza panini keeps best wrapped in foil and refrigerated for up to two days Reheat uncovered in a hot skillet or oven to revive that crispy texture Avoid microwaving which softens the crust

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap provolone or part skim mozzarella for fresh mozzarella if needed Thick bakery white or focaccia bread makes a good stand in for ciabatta Try turkey pepperoni or roasted veggies for a lighter or vegetarian take

Serving Suggestions

Slice into strips and dunk in extra marinara for a hands on treat Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness For a fun twist top with arugula or basil right before serving

Cultural Context

Paninis are rooted in Italian snack culture where pressed sandwiches are filled with regional specialties Bringing in classic pizza flavors is a nod to Italian American ingenuity turning favorite comfort food into a quick handheld meal

Pizza panini nights always feel a little special at my house and that first bite when the cheese stretches is pure magic

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different bread types?

Yes, ciabatta, sourdough, or rustic country bread all work well. Choose a sturdy loaf for best results.

→ Is it necessary to use a panini press?

No, a grill pan with a heavy skillet to press the sandwich works just as well for crisping the bread.

→ What cheese melts best for this panini?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to try provolone or a blend for extra flavor.

→ Can I substitute other meats for pepperoni?

Absolutely—salami, ham, or cooked sausage are delicious alternatives for a custom touch.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni or swap in grilled veggies like roasted peppers or mushrooms for a meat-free version.