Easy Pull Apart Garlic Parmesan Bread

 

6-8 garlic cloves, peeled

1 1/4 sticks (10 T.) salted butter, at room temperature

1 sourdough baguette or french bread

1 T. dried basil (or 2 T. chopped fresh basil)

2 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried parsley

red pepper flakes

1/4 C. grated parmesan cheese

1/4 C. grated asiago cheese

kosher salt and black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Melt together the garlic cloves and 1 T. butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic softens and turns golden, 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat, finely mash the garlic with a fork. Slice the baguette into 1 1/2 inch slices, being careful not to actually slice all the way through the bread. Place the baguette on a large piece of foil. In a small bowl, combine the butter, basil, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, parmesan, asiago, and mashed garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Generously spread the garlic butter inside each slit. Wrap in foil and bake 15 minutes. Open the foil and return to the oven. Bake another 5 minutes, until golden. Tear the bread apart and serve immediately…with extra parmesan and preferably alongside your favorite Italian sauce.