Ingredients:

  • 1 large (16 oz) French Loaf
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 5 cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Italian Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mash with a fork until a uniform, pale green paste forms.
  2. Using a serrated bread knife, slice the French loaf in half lengthwise to create two long open faces.
  3. Brush the open faces lightly with the extra virgin olive oil to help the fats penetrate the crumb.
  4. Spread the prepared garlic butter mixture generously from edge to edge across both halves of the bread.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bread open-faced on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Place the halves back together (like a sandwich) and wrap the loaf in foil. Bake for 10 minutes until the butter is completely melted into the crumb.
  7. Remove the loaf, open it up, and place the halves face up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top.
  8. Return to the oven for 5 minutes (or broil for 1-2 mins) until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  9. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then slice into 2 inch thick pieces while you hear that satisfying shatter of the crust.