Easy Peasy Cheesy Garlic Toast

The pantry around here has been less than stocked as of late with the move last week and my sister's wedding in Jersey next week. I desperately wanted to spruce up pasta night after work on Friday (plus, I was famished and thought the pot of water would never come to a boil...does this happen to anyone else?).  Using a few left over ingredients in the pantry I made this incredibly simple but full of flavor garlic toast that I cut into little cheesy bread sticks and dipped into extra marinara sauce. It was the perfect appetizer for a glass of wine while I waited for the pasta to cook, but it could easily be an afternoon snack or simple appetizer for guests.


Cheesy Garlic Toasts

•  2 ciabatta rolls, halved
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened at room temperature (or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds)
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• salt & pepper
• 1/4 c shredded mozzarella

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  In a small bowl combine butter, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Spread the mixture onto each piece of ciabatta and place on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese. On a center rack, bake for 6 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese just starts to brown. Serve garlic toasts whole, or cut each into thirds using a pizza wheel to make bread sticks. Drink lots of wine.