Ingredients:
For the Grilled Cheese Sticks:
8 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or country white work well)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Basil Cream Dip:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Make the Grilled Cheese Sticks:
1. Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
2. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay four slices of bread, butter-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the bread slices.
5. Top each with a slice of bread, butter-side up.
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sandwich into four sticks. You should have approximately 12 sticks.
Broil the Sticks:
1. Broil the cheese sticks for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. You may need to flip the sticks halfway through for even browning.
Make the Tomato Basil Cream Dip:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more lemon juice for extra tang or more garlic for a stronger flavor.
Serve:
1. Serve the warm grilled cheese sticks immediately with the tomato basil cream dip for dipping.
