Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Marinara Soup: Provolone, mozzerella, and parmesan cheese are layered with pepperoni and toasted between two slices of soft, tender bread that has been slatered in garlic and herb oil. Served up with a side of Marinara Soup, perfect for dipping. 
I never bought school lunches growing up. NEVER.
And most of the time I was totally good with eating my PB&J and fruit cup over the mystery meat and boxed mashed potatoes.
But whenever it was Pizza Bob day at school, I was a bit envious.
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What is a Pizza Bob? Just a fancy way of saying a grilled cheese made with pizza cheese. And I loved grilled cheese and pizza, so the combo intrigued me.
In fact, thinking back on grilled cheese sandwiches recently (on a cold, windy Spring afternoon–when grilled cheese is just a necessary thing), this memory from my childhood popped into my brain. And I decided to create my own version of the Pizza Bob for my own family. And oh boy was it a winner.
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Marinara Soup
This Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich could not be any more simple to make.
Bread + Cheese + Pepperoni.
I like to brush the slices of bread with an garlic and oregano olive oil mixture to give an extra depth of flavor to this grilled cheese.
And because grilled cheese is always best when served with a warm soup for dipping–a soup is a MUST!
But plain old tomato soup, while delicious is just NOT a fit for this Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
What goes better with pizza than marinara sauce?
So why not Marinara Soup?
A rich, tomatoey soup that tastes just like marinara sauce–oh so good!! And so easy–just 2 ingredients!
So yes, this sandwich is like a garlicy pepperoni pizza swimming in marinara sauce.
Tips on How to Make Pizza Grilled Cheese:
- What bread is best for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches? I personally think a thick, hearty bread–like an Italian Bread cut into thick slices or Whole Wheat Sourdough is another great option. I have even used my Homemade Honey Wheat Bread with success.
- If you don’t like pepperoni–leave it out! Maybe try sliced mushrooms, diced peppers, or olives–or just stick with good old plain cheese.
- If you have only have mozzarella cheese or Provolone cheese–just use that–don’t feel like you must use all three varieties of cheese.
- If you have shredded cheese, use that instead of slices–the cheese is going to melt, so it dosen’t really matter what shape it starts our as!
- If you want to make Gluten-Free Grilled Cheese, use thick gluten-free bread.
- If you are making Grilled Cheese for a Crowd, place all the prepared sandwiches on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Tips on How to Make Marinara Soup:
- In order to make this soup quickly, I use two flavor packed ingredients: Pre-made Marinara Sauce and Vegetable Stock. The marinara is already flavored with garlic and herbs and has been cooked down for hours to allow the tomato flavors to develop.
- I love to use my homemade Marinara Sauce, but any store bought sauce works.
- If you don’t have vegetable stock, feel free to use chicken stock or even water.
- To add a bit of zip to Marinara Soup, try adding in a 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Be sure to check out all my Easy Healthy 30 Minute Family Meals!
Try out other Unique Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with one of these gems: Monte Cristo with Blackberry Sauce, Grilled Cheese with Avocado and Heirloom Tomato, Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms, and Onions, or Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese.
Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese with Marinara Soup
Grilled cheese is made with toasted garlic bread, melty mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices and then served with a quick marinara soup.
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teasspoon dried oregano
- 8 slices thick sliced bread
- 8 thin slices provolone cheese
- 8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 slices nitrate free pepperoni
- For the soup:
- 2 cups your favorite marinara sauce
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
Instructions
-
Combine the olive oil, garlic and oregano together. Brush on the exterior of all 16 slices of bread. Layer 4 slices of bread with 2 slices provolone cheese, 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, and 4 slices of pepperoni each. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread.
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Heat skillet/griddle to medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cheese is melted.
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For soup:
-
Bring marinara and stock to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to come together.
-
Serve sandwich with soup.
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Growing up, my school never had “Pizza Bob” – what a genius idea! I have had my share of grilled cheese sandwihes but never have I tried one with peperoni before – GAH – now this is all I can think of…why do I have to be stuck in an office WITHOUT a stove till 3.30??? 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this Kristen!
Kristen Chidsey says
I am sorry to distract you at work 🙂 But now you know what you HAVE to try!! You will love these!
Ally's Sweet & Savory Eats says
Girl, you know I love this one. Putting it on my meal plan pronto!
Kristen Chidsey says
Yea!! love to hear that Ally!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
What a fun flavor for grilled cheese! This is some great comfort food!
Kristen Chidsey says
Thank you Jessica!
Liz says
Such a gooey delicious grilled cheese! Just the way I like them!!!
Kristen Chidsey says
Thanks!
Betsy | The JavaCupcake Blog says
This is an amazing idea!! My family will love it!!!!
Kristen Chidsey says
Thanks so much Betsy!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed.com says
This looks SO good! I love the marinara soup 🙂
Kristen Chidsey says
The soup is crucial!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
My kids were getting pb&j for lunch today, but this is a WAY better option. Delish!
Kristen Chidsey says
But I do love a good old pb& j too 🙂
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Happy National Grilled Cheese Day! Yours sounds fantastic! I love the sound of the marinara soup too!
Kristen Chidsey says
Thanks Cynthia!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
I love provolone Kristen, this sandwich is a real winner in my book! Pizza and grilled cheese all rolled into one.
Kristen Chidsey says
Enjoy Allie 🙂
Denise Wright says
What a great combination! This is one for my little boy.
Kristen Chidsey says
He would be thrilled with it Denise!
Karly Campbell says
Finally, a way to satisfy my kids’ pizza cravings in a way that keeps me sane and the pizza delivery guy from knowing my name and address by heart! This looks incredible!
Kristen Chidsey says
LOL! Love that! And yes, this will keep teh delivery guy away for sure!
Courtney Lopez says
This is such a comforting meal – yum!
Kristen Chidsey says
Comforting for sure!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says
Girl you totally nailed the photos on this one!!! This looks amazing!
Kristen Chidsey says
Aw thanks so much Lauren!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Hello there, dinner perfection! Love this combo of pizza grilled cheese and marinara soup – how fun is that! Know my kiddos would love it and so would I 😉
Kristen Chidsey says
It was a family winner here for sure Kathryn!
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says
i’d love this grilled cheese. love pepperoni!
Kristen Chidsey says
Then this is for you!!
Anita says
This looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Kristen Chidsey says
Thank you so much Anita!
Hirra says
This is an amazing combo, deliciousness!
Kristen Chidsey says
Thanks Hirra!
Heather Kinnaird says
I know what I’m having for lunch today…this is incredible Kristen
Kristen Chidsey says
You won’t regret it Heather!
Wendie says
Gosh Kristen! Is it lunchtime yet??!!
Kristen Chidsey says
I think it is 😉