1-First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy. This step ensures even baking and prevents any sticking mishaps.

2-Next, slice your 1-pound Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise to create two flat surfaces for spreading. In a bowl, mix together the garlic butter spread: 1/2 cup softened butter, 4 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt until it’s nice and smooth.

3-Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread halves for full flavor coverage. Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden. For a cheesier version, sprinkle on 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella during the last 2 minutes of baking.

4-If you want a crispier texture, extend baking by 3 to 5 minutes while keeping an eye on it to avoid burning. To keep the bread softer, wrap it in foil before baking. After it’s done, let it cool slightly and slice into 1-inch pieces before serving for the best results.