Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large French baguette or Italian bread loaf (about 24 inches long)
  • (Optional) Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
  • (Optional) Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Prepare the Baguette: Using a serrated knife, slice off both ends of the baguette. Carefully hollow out the inside of the baguette using a small knife or spoon to create cylinders that are about half an inch thick on each side.
  4. Fill with Garlic Butter: Generously spread or pipe in about one tablespoon of garlic butter into each hollowed cylinder using a pastry bag or simply a spoon. Ensure you fill it completely for maximum flavor!
  5. Top with Cheese and Seasoning (optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each filled cylinder and add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
  6. Bake the Cylinders: Place filled cylinders upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
  7. Serve Warm: Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly before serving; these can be cut into smaller pieces if preferred.