Side Dish: United States – Crispy Garlic-Parmesan Baguette Slices

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 10 min

Total 20 min

Ingredients

- 1 loaf French bread, approx. 12 oz (340 g)
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (2.5 g) dried oregano (optional)
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, 3 tbsp (about 25 g) of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried oregano (if using), crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper; mix until evenly blended.
3. Slice the French bread into 1/2- to 3/4-inch (1.2–2 cm) thick diagonal slices and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Use a small knife or spoon to spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tsp of the garlic-parmesan butter mixture evenly over the top of each slice.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the butter is melted and the edges begin to turn golden. For extra crispness, switch the oven to broil and broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
6. Remove from the oven, immediately sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the hot slices, and garnish with any extra chopped parsley. Serve warm.