Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, optional, for a cheesy version)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Spread:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, oregano (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything well until smooth and evenly combined.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Choose a loaf of bread, such as a French baguette, Italian loaf, or any soft bread you prefer. Slice it into sections about 1-inch apart, but don’t slice all the way through the bottom, keeping the loaf intact.
- Spread the Garlic Butter:
- Using a butter knife or a spoon, generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread, making sure the garlic mixture gets into each cut.
- Add Cheese (Optional):
- If you want cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese between the slices of bread, along with the garlic butter.
- Wrap and Bake:
- Wrap the bread in foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is warm and the cheese is melted. For a crispy top, you can open the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool for a couple of minutes before pulling it apart and serving.
This garlic butter spread will give your bread that rich, savory, and fragrant flavor, perfect for a party, dinner side, or just a cozy snack!