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Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Snack

5.0

(1 reviews)

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Servings
4
Calories
420
Chef's Note

For extra flavor, try using a combination of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago along with the mozzarella. The key to great garlic bread is to not burn the garlic when making the butter - keep the heat low and watch it carefully!

Tags
snack
Italian
bread
cheese
kid-friendly
vegetarian
baked
dip
garlic
tomato
Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Italian bread loaf (day old works best)

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

  • 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (canned, whole)

  • 1/2 medium yellow onion

  • 1 small carrot

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
  • 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • 2

    Slice the Italian bread loaf in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 8 strips, creating 16 breadsticks total.

  • 3

    Peel and finely mince 4 cloves of garlic.

  • 4

    Wash, dry, and finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.

  • 5

    In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat.

  • 6

    Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

  • 7

    Remove the garlic butter from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

  • 8

    Grate 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, keeping them separate.

  • 9

    Brush each bread strip generously with the garlic butter mixture on all sides.

  • 10

    Arrange the buttered bread sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.

  • 11

    Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread sticks, followed by the parmesan cheese.

  • 12

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the bread is crispy around the edges.

  • 13

    While the bread sticks are baking, prepare the marinara sauce. Peel and finely dice 1/2 medium yellow onion.

  • 14

    Wash, peel, and finely dice 1 small carrot.

  • 15

    Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

  • 16

    Add the diced onion and carrot to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

  • 17

    Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

  • 18

    Open the can of San Marzano tomatoes and crush them by hand (or with a potato masher) directly into the saucepan.

  • 19

    Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).

  • 20

    Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

  • 21

    Taste the marinara sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  • 22

    Once the bread sticks are done, remove them from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.

  • 23

    Transfer the marinara sauce to a serving bowl for dipping.

  • 24

    Serve the cheesy garlic bread sticks warm with the marinara dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
420
Calories
15g
Protein
42g
Carbs
22g
Fat
Reviews (1)
MS.
Mathew S.
10/22/2025

5/5

These are amazing delicious comfort food. My kids destroyed them quickly. My youngest even said they're better than crazy bread.