1-First, fire up your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep things tidy.

2-Slice your 1 pound Italian or French loaf in half lengthwise and lay it cut side up on the sheet for even baking.

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

4-Spread that garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread don’t skimp, as users love adding extra for more taste!

5-Pop it in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges turn a nice golden brown.

6-If you’re going for cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle on the 1/4 cup grated parmesan or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella during the last 2 minutes of baking to get that gooey melt.

7-For a crispier finish, bake it 3-5 minutes longer, or if you prefer softer bread, stick closer to 10 minutes or wrap it in foil before baking to lock in moisture.

8-Once it’s done, let it cool slightly, then slice into 1-inch pieces for easy serving.

9-Serve it warm, maybe with marinara sauce for dipping, as a fantastic side to pasta or even on its own.