These mini grilled mozzarella and pepperoni sandwiches are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and full of rich, savory flavor. Perfect for party platters, appetizers, or indulgent snacks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and bite-sized, great for entertaining or family meals
- A delightful twist on classic grilled cheese
- Quick to make and irresistibly melty
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini sandwich buns or thick bread rounds
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Pepperoni slices
- Butter or olive oil, for grilling
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
directions
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering mozzarella and pepperoni between two bread slices.
- Brush the outer sides with butter or olive oil and sprinkle with optional garlic powder.
- Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove, let cool briefly, and serve with marinara sauce.
Servings and timing
- Serves: 4 (makes 8 mini sandwiches)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6 minutes
- Total time: 16 minutes
Variations
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese pull
- Add thin-sliced tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
- Use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option
- Make vegetarian by omitting pepperoni and adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach
storage/reheating
- Store: Keep cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy
- Not recommended for freezing due to cheese texture changes
FAQs
Can I use shredded mozzarella?
Yes, but slices or fresh mozzarella balls hold shape and melt more evenly in mini sandwiches.
Can I make these in a sandwich press?
Absolutely. A sandwich or panini press works well and creates even browning.
What kind of bread is best?
Use firm mini buns or sliced bread with good structure, like sourdough or ciabatta.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble them and refrigerate covered. Grill just before serving.
What dipping sauces go well?
Marinara is classic, but pesto, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup also work well.
Are these freezer-friendly?
No, the texture of melted cheese and grilled bread doesn’t hold well after freezing.
Can I use a nonstick pan?
Yes, just be sure the temperature stays medium to avoid burning the bread before cheese melts.
Is it possible to make them without butter?
Olive oil is a great substitute that still yields crisp results.
How do I keep them warm for a party?
Keep them in a warm oven (90°C / 200°F) on a baking tray until ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe easily?
Yes, scale up ingredients and cook in batches or use a griddle for efficiency.
Conclusion
Mini Grilled Mozzarella and Pepperoni bites are an irresistible treat that brings together crispy bread, molten cheese, and savory pepperoni. Ideal for snacking, sharing, or even a fun twist on dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Shall I move on to the next one?
PrintMini Grilled Mozzarella and Pepperoni
These mini grilled mozzarella and pepperoni sandwiches are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and full of rich, savory flavor. Perfect for party platters, appetizers, or indulgent snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (makes 8 mini sandwiches)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
- Mini sandwich buns or thick bread rounds
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Pepperoni slices
- Butter or olive oil, for grilling
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Assemble sandwiches by layering mozzarella and pepperoni between two bread slices.
- Brush the outer sides with butter or olive oil and sprinkle with optional garlic powder.
- Grill each sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove, let cool briefly, and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese pull.
- Add thin-sliced tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.
- Use turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
- Make vegetarian by omitting pepperoni and adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Storage: Keep cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Not recommended for freezing due to cheese texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg