Italian Grilled Cheese

Photo courtesy of the Cooking Corner.

     When it's cold and nasty out, one of the classic comfort foods is a grilled cheese. Added to a warm soup, a grilled cheese can be a simple and quick meal. But why not add a new twist to an old favorite? This version of the basic grilled cheese uses Italian bread, fresh mozzarella cheese and some Italian meats to take it from basic and boring to an Italian version of a classic.
     Fresh mozzarella melts great and pepperoni and salami add the meat that makes it a meal for my hubby. For some extra flavor pop, just a sprinkle of garlic salt and a little Italian seasoning round out the dish to make an old stand by interesting again.

Italian Grilled Cheese
2 T. butter or margarine
4 slices Italian bread
12 pepperoni slices
4 thin slices ham or salami
4-5 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 tsp. (sprinkle) garlic salt
1/8 tsp. (sprinkle) of any one of the following - Italian seasoning, oregano, basil or thyme 

Butter one side of each piece of bread with butter. Sprinkle garlic salt lightly on each.
Preheat large non-stick skillet over medium heat for just a little bit.

Lay two slices of bread butter side down in skillet. Layer pepperoni and cheese slices on bread. Sprinkle with seasoning.

Top cheese with sliced ham or salami and place other bread slice on top.

Cook over medium low heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often. Gently flip sandwich over and cook another 2 minutes until lightly golden.

Makes 2 sandwiches. Recipe easily doubled.

*Note - In season, this is good with very thin sliced Roma tomatoes and fresh basil.

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