Cheesy Garlic Sticks

Inspired by Emmy Squared

Ingredients:

Parsley Pesto:

• 1 cup parsley, loosely packed

• 2 tbsp. Parmigiano Reggiano

• 1 pinch salt

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Cheesy Garlic Sticks:

• 8 oz. bag shredded mozzarella (2 cups)

• 2 tbsp. salted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (add more if you want it extra garlicky)

• 1/2 loaf Italian or French bread, halved lengthwise

Directions:

1. For the parsley pesto, combine parsley, Parmigiano Reggiano, salt and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth. If necessary, add in more olive oil until you reach the consistency you would like.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Add butter to a small bowl and microwave on high until melted. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and whisk together.

3. Place halved bread on a baking sheet. Using a spoon (or brush), spread the melted butter and garlic mixture over the halved bread. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top, making sure to cover the entire loaf of bread.

4. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes until cheese begins to bubble. Place under broiler for a further 4-5 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.

5. Remove baking sheet from the oven and place the cheesy bread on a cutting board. Cut into about 1 inch wide strips.

6. Stack the strips on a plate, brushing each piece with parsley pesto and add a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. In a small bowl, add the marinara for dipping and serve.