Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Slice the Bread:
Cut the loaf in half lengthwise to create two flat pieces. Alternatively, slice the bread into thick individual slices for portioned garlic bread.
Spread the Butter:
Generously spread the garlic butter mixture over the cut sides of the bread. For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Bake the Bread:
Place the bread on the prepared baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Optional Broiling:
For a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven, slice into smaller pieces if needed, and serve warm.
