Garlic Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 loaf Italian bread, about 1 pound and 12 inches long
• 4 garlic cloves, finely grated or crushed to a paste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Method

1. 1

   Step 1. Allow about 55 minutes: 30 minutes to soften cold butter, 10 minutes preparation and 15 minutes baking. Butter may need up to 60 minutes to soften in a cool kitchen; it should spread easily without being melted. Use a 13-by-18-inch rimmed sheet pan, a small bowl and a serrated knife. Heat the oven to 400°F during preparation.

2. 2

   Step 2. Mash the softened butter with the garlic, parsley and salt until evenly combined, scraping the bowl. Break up any garlic clumps; large raw pieces can remain harsh while the bread browns.

3. 3

   Step 3. Cut the loaf in half lengthwise. Put both halves cut-side up on the sheet pan. Spread all the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces, including the edges.

4. 4

   Step 4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are crisp, the butter has soaked into the bread and the garlic is fragrant. Check after 10 minutes; very thin bread may brown sooner. Remove when lightly golden rather than dark brown.

5. 5

   Step 5. Cut each half into four pieces and serve warm, making eight portions. Refrigerate leftover bread in a covered container within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F, at 40°F or below; use within 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F. Refrigerate any garlic butter immediately and use within 4 days.