Crispy Garlic Herb Bread

# What You Need:

→ Bread

01 - 1 baguette or Italian loaf, sliced into 8 pieces (about 3/4 inch thick)

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

03 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

04 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

06 - 1/2 tsp salt

07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Topping

08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1.5 oz)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a grill to medium-high heat.

02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, chives (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

03 - Place the bread slices in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

04 - Spread a generous layer of the garlic butter mixture over each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.

05 - If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread slices.

06 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and becomes crispy. Alternatively, grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and toasted.

07 - Remove from oven and serve warm alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads for optimal flavor and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The butter can be made days ahead and kept in the fridge for instant garlic bread whenever you need it
This method transforms ordinary baguette into something people will fight over the last piece of

02 -

Watch the bread like a hawk after 8 minutes because garlic and butter go from golden to burnt surprisingly fast
Room temperature butter spreads without tearing the bread, but cold butter melts too slowly and makes soggy spots

03 -