- 1 loaf Italian bread or French baguette
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- ¼ cup cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Small pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella optional for cheesy version
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)2. In small bowl mix softened butter minced garlic parsley Parmesan Italian seasoning and salt until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning3. Slice bread loaf in half lengthwise place cut side up on baking tray4. Spread garlic butter generously over both halves reaching every edge and corner5. Bake 8-10 minutes until butter melted edges turning lightly golden and Parmesan developing slight crust6. For cheesy version: remove from oven scatter mozzarella evenly over both halves return to oven 2-3 minutes until cheese melted7. Switch to broiler 60 seconds until cheese golden and beautifully spotted Watch constantly burns fast!8. Rest 1-2 minutes scatter extra parsley and Parmesan. Slice and serve immediately
- Always use softened butter not cold it spreads evenly and mixes perfectly with garlic and herbs
- Fresh garlic only not garlic powder. Four cloves is exactly right here
- Watch broiler step constantly 60 seconds to golden 90 seconds to burnt
- Freeze unbaked for up to one month bake straight from frozen adding 5-7 extra minutes
Make ahead tip: assemble refrigerate up to 24 hours bake fresh when needed