Hot Italian Patties

• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
• 8 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices French bread (3/4 inch thick)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup butter, softened

1. In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, basil, pepper flakes and garlic powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, shape sausage into four thin oval patties. In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties until no longer pink; remove and keep warm.
3. In the drippings, saute onion until tender. Place a slice of cheese on four slices of bread; layer each with a sausage patty, onion and remaining cheese. Top with remaining bread. Butter the outsides of sandwiches.
4. On a griddle or in a large skillet, toast over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve with herbed tomato sauce for dipping.

tomato sauce, dried basil, red pepper, garlic, italian sausage, onion, mozzarella cheese, bread, butter

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hot-italian-patties/ (may not work)