Description
The Marilyn Monroe Panini is a deliciously indulgent grilled cheese sandwich featuring soft sourdough bread layered with pepperoni, deli chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Buttered and seasoned with garlic powder, it’s grilled to golden perfection and served with warm pizza sauce for dipping—a perfect savory snack or quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter
- 2 slices Pepperidge Farms Soft Sourdough bread
- Butter, enough to spread on bread slices
- Garlic powder, to sprinkle
Fillings
- 5 slices pepperoni
- 5 slices deli chicken meat
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
Dipping Sauce
- Pizza sauce, warmed, for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Spread butter generously on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the buttered sides for a flavorful crust. On the non-buttered side of each slice, place one slice of mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble the sandwich: On the cheese of one bread slice, layer the pepperoni slices evenly, followed by the deli chicken slices. Carefully place the second bread slice on top with the buttered side facing up, forming a sandwich with the fillings inside.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich butter-side down onto the pan. Using a grill press or a heavy spatula, press down on the sandwich to ensure even grilling. After the bottom is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side until it reaches a golden brown color and the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a minute. Serve immediately with warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Using a grill press helps achieve an evenly toasted crust and melts the cheese perfectly.
- If you don’t have deli chicken, roasted or grilled chicken slices work as great substitutes.
- For a spicier kick, add a few jalapeño slices inside the sandwich before grilling.
- Warm the pizza sauce gently on the stove or microwave for the best dipping experience.
- To avoid sogginess, ensure the sauce is served separately rather than inside the sandwich.
