For the maximum flavor, use vine-ripened tomatoes in the sauce. For quicker and easier preparation, simply use your favorite ready-made marinara or pizza sauce.

Grilled Pizza Sandwich

Sauce:

1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups ripe tomatoes, seed and chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese, grated

Pizza Sandwich:

4 slices hearty country bread

Toppings: pepperoni, bacon, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, fresh basil or other desired local ingredients (optional)
4 ounces Wisconsin Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

1. For Sauce: Drop garlic clove into food processor or blender while running. Turn off processor and add tomatoes, onion, basil, oregano and pepper; purée. Pour sauce into medium saucepan and heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, uncovered; stir in cream and Parmesan; simmer for 2 minutes until thick.
2. For Pizza Sandwich: Spread sauce on 1 side of each slice of bread, top with desired ingredients, sliced Fresh Mozzarella and 1/4 cup Mozzarella.
3. Grill face up on outdoor grill or under broiler, until cheese is melted. If you prefer closed sandwich, use two slices of bread per sandwich, spread sauce on each slice, make as above, and grill on outdoor grill, in skillet or in panini grill; serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.