Grilled Cheese Sticks with Tomato Basil Cream Dip

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.