GARLIC BREAD WITH A SOFT, CRISPY CRUST

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🧄 GARLIC BREAD WITH A SOFT, CRISPY CRUST

📝 INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (or 1–1½ tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional but delicious)

🍞 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven

  • Heat to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the garlic butter

In a small bowl, mix together:

  • softened butter
  • minced garlic
  • parsley
  • salt
  • pepper
  • Parmesan (if using)

Stir until fully combined.

3. Prepare the bread

  1. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise.
  2. Spread a generous, even layer of garlic butter over both cut sides.
  3. For extra softness, wrap the loaf loosely in foil (leaving a slight opening on top).
    • This traps steam for softness but allows the top to crisp.

4. Bake

  • Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
  • Open the foil and bake 5–7 more minutes to crisp the top while keeping the inside soft.

5. Optional: Broil for extra crunch

  • Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the edges are golden.

6. Slice & serve

Let it cool for 1–2 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

🌟 OPTIONAL ADD-INS

  • Mozzarella topping: add shredded mozzarella during the last 5 minutes
  • Herb mix: add oregano or basil to the butter
  • Spicy version: add red pepper flakes
  • Extra soft version: keep the foil fully sealed during baking

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