Giant Grilled Cheese Sub Sandwich with Pepperoni and Jalapeños

1. Prep the Bread
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get your grill hot if you’re going that route.
   Slice your sub loaf horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through — leave a hinge on one side so it opens like a book.
   In a small bowl, mix together the butter, mayo, and minced garlic.
   Spread this garlic butter mixture generously on both inner sides of the bread.
2. Build the Cheese Layers
   On the bottom half of the bread, start layering your cheese:
   First go in with mozzarella, then sprinkle in cheddar, and finish with some Parmesan.
   Add the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese. Don’t be shy — go edge-to-edge.
   Scatter the jalapeño rounds over the pepperoni. Want more kick? Add extra.
   Optional: toss in some red onion for sharpness or tomato slices for juiciness.
   Sprinkle a bit more mozzarella on top to help everything stick together.
3. Grill or Bake
   Close the sandwich carefully and press it slightly to flatten.
   Brush the top of the bread with olive oil (or more butter if you’re feeling wild).

If you’re baking:
Wrap the whole thing in foil and bake for 10 minutes.
Then unwrap and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.

If you’re grilling:

Place the sandwich on the grill and use a heavy skillet or foil-wrapped brick to press it down.

Grill 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and melty inside.

4. Finishing Touches
   Let it cool for a minute or two (molten cheese alert!).

Slice into manageable sections and garnish with parsley or basil if desired.

Serve with a bowl of warm marinara or ranch, or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist.

🔥 Tips & Variations:
Cheese Swap: Provolone, fontina, or pepper jack are all great options too.

Meat Lovers’ Upgrade: Add salami, ham, or crumbled Italian sausage.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni and load up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies.

Spice Level: Use pickled jalapeños for a milder tang, or go wild with habaneros if you’re into fire.

🍽️ The Vibe:
This is the kind of sandwich that demands to be eaten with both hands, with cheese pulling as you bite, and just enough heat from the jalapeños to wake up your tastebuds. Perfect for game day, movie night, or a weeknight dinner that wants to feel like a party.