Attention, pizza fans. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy all your favorite pizza flavors without ordering takeout, these pizza sandwiches might be your new best friend. They deliver crispy, buttery bread filled with gooey mozzarella, spicy pepperoni and juicy tomatoes. It all comes together with just the right amount of garlic and Parmesan.
It’s a pizza party in every bite. These sandwiches are a fun and easy weeknight dinner or a good way to switch up family movie nights. Get the whole family in the kitchen so everyone can create their own perfect pizza sandwich.
Pizza Sandwich Ingredients
- Italian bread: This provides a sturdy base for the sandwich and holds all the ingredients together, offering a satisfying crunch when toasted.
- Part-skim mozzarella cheese: It melts smoothly, creating a gooey texture that complements the other toppings. It also adds a mild and creamy flavor.
- Tomato: The fresh, juicy element balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: It contributes a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.
- Garlic salt: This infuses a subtle garlic flavor, elevating the sandwich with a hint of savory seasoning.
- Pepperoni: The spicy and meaty taste provides a classic pizza flavor and pairs well with the cheeses and tomatoes.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and a crisp texture to the sandwich. It ensures the bread toasts to a golden brown.
- Pizza sauce: Served on the side for dipping, it adds a tangy, robust flavor that complements the sandwich fillings perfectly.
Directions
Step 1: Assemble the sandwiches
Lay out the eight slices of Italian bread on a clean surface. On four slices, layer one slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by two slices of tomato. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes. Lightly sprinkle a dash of garlic salt over the tomatoes and cheese. Arrange six slices of pepperoni on top of the seasoned tomatoes. Finish by placing the remaining mozzarella cheese slices on top of the pepperoni and cover with the other four slices of bread to form the sandwiches. Spread the softened butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich, covering both sides.
Step 2: Toast and serve
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the buttered sandwiches on the griddle. Toast the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about three to four minutes on each side. Remove the sandwiches from the griddle and let them cool slightly before cutting. Warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave. Serve the toasted sandwiches with the warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Pizza Sandwich Variations
- Add vegetables: Include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms or spinach for added freshness and flavor.
- Bake your own bread: Freshly baked Italian bread will take these sandwiches to the next level. The sandwiches will be even more like pizza with just-baked bread.
- Make it spicy: Add a few slices of pickled hot peppers or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with sauces: Use marinara, pesto or a garlic butter spread in place of or in addition to the pizza sauce for dipping.
How to Store Pizza Sandwiches
Let the leftover pizza sandwiches cool completely before wrapping each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate them for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet until warmed through and crispy.
Can you freeze pizza sandwiches?
To freeze, let the sandwiches cool completely on a wire rack. Then wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in a toaster oven or on a skillet until heated through and crispy.
Pizza Sandwich Tips
How can I make a gluten-free version of pizza sandwiches?
To make a gluten-free version of pizza sandwiches, start by using gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and pizza sauce are labeled gluten-free. Some processed foods may contain gluten as a hidden ingredient. Assemble and cook the sandwiches as directed and enjoy a delicious gluten-free alternative.
What side dishes should I serve with pizza sandwiches?
A fresh green Italian salad provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich and savory sandwiches. Soups are also a good choice. Serve with a bowl of minestrone or tomato soup. Roasted vegetables or an antipasto platter would not be out of place.
