Garlic Bread

 Garlic bread is a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here's a simple recipe for homemade garlic bread:

Ingredients:

1. 1 loaf of Italian bread or French baguette
2. 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3. 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to your garlic preference)
4. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Slice the bread: Cut the Italian bread or French baguette in half lengthwise. If you prefer individual slices, you can cut it into smaller pieces instead.
• Prepare the garlic butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Spread the garlic butter: Using a butter knife or a spoon spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the bread surface generously.
• Optional: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Assemble and wrap: Place the two halves of the bread back together, buttered sides facing each other. Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil, leaving the top partially open so you can check the bread as it bakes.
• Bake: Place the foil-wrapped garlic bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the butter is melted and aromatic. If you want it to be crispy, you can open the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven and carefully unwrap it. Slice it into individual pieces if it's a baguette, or serve it as halves if you leave it whole. Serve hot.
• Garlic bread is best served fresh out of the oven when it's warm and fragrant. It's a fantastic accompaniment to pasta dishes, salads, soups, or as a snack on its own. Enjoy!