A side dish like basil cheese breadsticks is a perfect complement to any summer meal.
12 Servings (24 breadsticks)
Ingredients
1 lb. round loaf sourdough bread, unsliced
7 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Slice bread into 1-1/2 inch slices, cutting to bottom of loaf but not through it. Turn bread one quarter turn, then slice bread again into 1-1/2 inch slices, cutting to but not through bottom of loaf, forming breadsticks that are attached to the bottom crust. Note: f you can't find an unsliced loaf of bread, use a sliced loaf. Cut bread into 2" wide strips, cutting to but not through bottom. Keep loaf shape while you're cutting.
2. Carefully place loaf on a sheet of heavy-duty foil.
3. Melt butter in small saucepan, and stir in onion and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Remove mixture from heat and stir in fresh basil and dried basil.
4. Drizzle the butter mixture evenly between breadsticks and over top of loaf, then sprinkle with cheese.
5. Wrap securely with double-fold seal. Place bread on grill 6 inches from medium coals.
6. Heat 15-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is hot, turning and moving loaf frequently to prevent burning.
Note: To bake in the oven, place wrapped loaf in a preheated 400 degrees F oven for 20 minutes. Then unwrap the loaf and bake for another 10-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bread begins to brown.
To serve, pull apart breadsticks.
*Recipe courtesy of BusyCooks
