Ingredients
Scale
- 2 whole heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice about a quarter-inch off the top of the garlic heads to expose the individual cloves. Place the garlic heads on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before handling.
- Once the garlic is cool enough to touch, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins and into a small mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the roasted garlic into a smooth paste. Add the softened butter, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is fluffy.
- Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Place both halves on a large baking sheet, cut-side up. Using a spatula or knife, spread the roasted garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over both sides of the bread. If you are using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top now.
- Place the bread back into the oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the butter has melted deep into the bread. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the bread for the last 60 seconds, but watch it carefully so it does not burn.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes