This is genuine garlic bread. It's absolutely delicious and so very easy! Freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra kick.
4 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
½ cup butter, softened
1 fresh loaf of French bread
freshly grated Parmesan (optional but highly recommended)
dried oregano or basil (optional)
Mix together garlic and butter. Let stand for at least 30 minutes to let the garlic flavours soak into the butter.
Slice French bread horizontally into two halves to make a bottom layer and upper crust layer. Spread each half with the garlic butter. (It's okay to have some garlic butter left over.) Sprinkle with Parmesan and dried oregano or basil.
Place each half, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 7-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown and cheese is melted. For the last two minutes, you may prefer to put the oven on broil to toast the top (watch bread carefully so as not to burn).