1-Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare your ingredients by softening the butter and finely mincing the fresh garlic. For dietary tweaks, use vegan butter or gluten-free bread as needed to fit your style.

2-Slice the 1-pound Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves for even spreading. If you want smaller pieces, cut them now to make serving easier.

3-In a bowl, mix the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt until it’s all blended. This step ensures the flavors meld together nicely.

4-Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves, making sure every part gets covered for the best taste. If you’re adding cheese, hold off for now.

5-Place the bread on a baking sheet with the cut side up, and bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. For crispier results, bake a bit longer, or wrap in foil for a softer texture.

6-Optionally, add 1/4 cup grated parmesan or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella during the last 2 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist. Once done, garnish with extra parsley and chives for added flavor and color, then slice and serve warm.