Pizza Sandwiches

The hubby and I frequent a locally owned sandwich shop that makes these chopped, griddled sandwiches that are fantastic. They cook the food -- a variety of toppings -- on a huge griddle, chopping the food as they go along. I think I've tried every variety of sandwich they offer, and I've never been disappointed. But my favorite is a pizza-style sandwich.

I was craving one of these the other day, but because the hubby and I no longer live in the bit cit-ay, I can't just run and get one very easily. But hey, it's a simple concept, so I figured I could try one at home using a cast-iron skillet and some basic pizza ingredients.

This is kind of a non-recipe recipe, because quantities vary so much according to personal tastes, the size of the rolls you're using, etc. But I have to say, I think my sandwich filling was even better than the sandwich shop's.

Unfortunately, my little coney rolls -- the closest bread I could find at my local grocery store -- couldn't compare to their crusty, chewy offering. Maybe that will be my next experiment!

Pizza Sandwiches
Makes 1 sandwich; amounts of ingredients vary, depending on size of rolls

Deli ham, chopped
Pepperoni, chopped
Green bell pepper, chopped
Mushrooms, chopped
Dried Italian seasoning
Pizza sauce
Crushed red pepper flakes
Sliced provolone or mozzarella
Crusty rolls

1. Heat a heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat, and spray with cooking spray. (I prefer cast iron, so I can chop away without risking my pan's coating.) Add ham, pepperoni, and vegetables.

2. Saute until meat is starting to crisp, and vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and top with a few tablespoons of pizza sauce. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Shape mixture in a similar shape as your roll.

4. Top with cheese.

5. Cook until cheese starts to melt, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

6. Top with halved roll, so that roll heats a bit over the mixture.

7. Using a spatula, scoop up the entire concoction, roll and all, so that mixture lands on the roll, cheese side down. Serve hot.