Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts
The smell of Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts always brings back memories of my childhood kitchen. Growing up, my family loved pizza, and we would often make our own versions at home, experimenting with different toppings and crusts. But one day, we decided to take it a step further and combine our love for pizza with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. That’s how Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts were born! The idea was simple yet genius: use frozen garlic bread as the base, add some gooey cheese, pepperoni, and salami, and you have yourself the perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Experimenting with Flavors
Creating these Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts was like unlocking a new level of flavor. The frozen garlic bread adds a crispy, buttery foundation that pairs beautifully with the rich marinara sauce. The first time I made it, I knew I was onto something special. The way the cheese melts between the layers of spicy pepperoni and savory salami is pure comfort food magic. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making these melts a huge hit in my home. And the best part? They’re ready in just 20 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
A Family Favorite
It didn’t take long for these Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts to become a family favorite. My kids absolutely love them, and they’re always excited when they see me pulling out the garlic bread from the freezer. Sometimes, we even make it a fun family activity where everyone gets to assemble their own melts, choosing their favorite ingredients. We’ve tried all sorts of combinations—turkey pepperoni, cheddar cheese, even adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. No matter how we tweak the recipe, it always turns out delicious.
A Quick and Easy Meal
What I love most about these Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts is how easy they are to make. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty snack or a simple dinner, these melts are the answer. I often serve them with a side salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal, but they’re just as satisfying on their own. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and convenient, look no further than Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts—a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts
- Avoid Overcooking the Garlic Bread: When toasting the garlic bread, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent burning. Garlic bread tends to brown quickly due to the butter and garlic, so monitor closely and flip as soon as you see a golden-brown color.
- Layering Tip: When assembling the sandwiches, place the cheese directly on the garlic bread before adding the pepperoni and ham. This helps the cheese melt evenly and acts as a “glue” to hold the sandwich together.
- Preventing Sogginess: If your garlic bread seems a bit too buttery, you can lightly pat it with a paper towel after toasting to remove excess oil before assembling the sandwiches. This will help maintain a crispy texture.
- Cheese Selection: While mozzarella provides a classic pizza flavor, experimenting with a mix of mozzarella and provolone can add a delightful complexity to the taste. Provolone offers a slightly sharp, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Perfect Crispness: For the best results, use a nonstick pan or griddle to achieve an even, golden crust on the sandwiches. Press down lightly with a spatula as they cook to ensure even browning and optimal crispiness.
- Warming Marinara Sauce: If serving with extra marinara sauce, warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This enhances the flavor and makes the sauce more inviting for dipping.
Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts
4
sandwiches5
minutes15
minutes456
kcal20
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with these Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts! This delightful twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich brings the flavors of pizza right to your plate. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, these melts use frozen garlic bread for convenience and are loaded with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and salami. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Inspired by the creativity of home cooks, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Frozen Garlic Bread
1 package (11-1/4 ounces) frozen garlic bread slices
- Pasta Sauce
1/4 cup marinara sauce
- Provolone Cheese
4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni Slices
16 slices spicy pepperoni
- Hard Salami Slices
8 slices deli ham
- Extra Marinara Sauce
extra marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Replace mozzarella cheese with cheddar or Swiss cheese.
Substitute spicy pepperoni with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
Use turkey ham instead of deli ham for a leaner choice.
Directions
- Preheat Griddle – Warm up your griddle over medium-low heat.
- Toast Garlic Bread – Place the garlic bread slices on the griddle and cook until they are lightly browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Assemble Sandwiches – Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce on each of 4 slices of toasted garlic bread. Layer with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and deli ham.
- Cook Sandwiches – Top with the remaining garlic bread slices and cook until the sandwiches are crispy and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side. Turn as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve – If desired, serve the sandwiches with additional warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 456kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 1177mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs- Cheesy Garlic Pizza Melts
Can I use fresh garlic bread instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh garlic bread works well. Just ensure it’s sliced evenly and toasted to a light golden brown before assembling the sandwiches.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Ensure the cheese slices are slightly smaller than the bread slices to minimize overhang. Press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while cooking to help seal the edges.
Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the garlic bread and assemble the sandwiches in advance, then cook them right before serving.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these pizza melts?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a bowl of tomato soup pairs nicely with these cheesy garlic pizza melts, making for a well-rounded meal.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can opt for whole-grain or gluten-free garlic bread, use turkey pepperoni or ham, and reduce the cheese quantity to make this dish lighter while still enjoying its flavors.
