In a universe with seemingly endless types of sandwiches, it can be tricky to decide which one to make. Do you play it safe with a ham and cheese, opt for a peanut butter and jelly like Bruce Springsteen or go for something new and exciting? If you’re ready to upgrade your lunch routine with some major star power, actor Tony Danza has a go-to sandwich recipe that might just become your new favorite.
The Who’s the Boss? and Taxi star shared his recipe for tomato sandwiches with Gorgonzola aioli in Star Palate: Celebrity Cookbook for a Cure, and it’s a total flavor bomb. And it’s not the first time he’s shown off his culinary cred.
Danza, the son of an Italian immigrant, has an Italian cookbook called Don’t Fill Up on the Antipasto. He was also a part-owner of Alleva, the oldest cheese store in America, until it closed in 2023. “I like to cook every night,” he previously said. “I do all of my cooking.” And although this sandwich is more about assembly than cooking, we know you’re going to want to give it a try.
Related: I Tried Adam Sandler’s Famous ‘World’s Greatest Sandwich’ and It’s My New Favorite Lunch
What Makes Tony Danza’s Tomato Sandwich So Special?
This sandwich checks all the boxes: easy ingredients, bold flavors and just a bit of indulgence. It starts with pillowy focaccia, which is sturdy enough to hold a ton of ingredients. Plump, fresh tomatoes bring the brightness, while arugula adds a peppery crunch.
But the real star is the creamy Gorgonzola aioli, which adds a savory depth and a touch of luxury to every bite. The pungent blue cheese, which comes from Northern Italy, is the star of the spread, which is as easy as mixing finely chopped garlic, mayo and the cheese. It’s great on this sandwich, but it would also be delicious on a steak or roast beef sandwich.
Related: I Made The Famous ‘Larry David Sandwich’ and It’s My New Favorite Bagel Breakfast
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How to Make Tony Danza’s Favorite Sandwich
The sandwich, which was excerpted by Food.com, requires a little effort, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Start by mixing minced garlic, mayonnaise and Gorgonzola cheese together until everything is well combined. Next, halve the focaccia and toast it lightly under the broiler or in the toaster. While the bread is toasting, slice the tomatoes and set them aside. Next, whisk together oil, balsamic vinegar and basil, then toss the dressing with some arugula.
Now comes the fun part: building the sandwich! Spread both halves of the focaccia with the Gorgonzola aioli so you have some cheesy spread on both sides of your sandwich. Next, layer on the tomatoes, season them with salt and pepper, then pile on the dressed arugula. Add the focaccia top, slice the sandwich and dive in.
This easy but elevated sandwich makes a great quick lunch or dinner upgrade or build the sandwich on a big piece of focaccia and slice it into smaller pieces for a fun party appetizer. No matter how you serve it, it’s going to be delicious and Danza-approved.
Related: I Tried Paul Rudd’s Favorite Kansas City Sandwich, and It’s a BBQ Lover’s Dream
