Grease a 12-inch pizza pan. If desired, sprinkle with cornmeal. Roll bread dough, if using, to a 13-inch circle. Transfer dough to prepared pan. (Or, pat pizza dough into prepared pan.) Build up edges slightly. Set aside.

Cook onion, covered, in a small amount of boiling water in a small saucepan for 5 minutes or until just tender. Drain well. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the pizza dough. Arrange onion and tomato slices over cheese. Sprinkle olives, garlic, and pepper over tomatoes. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over all. Bake in a 425 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden. Remove from oven and sprinkle basil or thyme over pizza. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings.