Ultimate Garlic Bread

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F to get it ready for baking.

2. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add the peeled garlic cloves. Let the garlic slowly cook in the butter for about 20 minutes until it becomes tender. Once the garlic is soft, transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to mash the garlic into the butter until it's smooth and well combined.

3. Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper into the garlic butter. This combination of ingredients will create a flavorful spread that’s both tangy and savory.

4. Prepare Baguette

Take the French baguette and place it on a cutting board. Make diagonal scores along the top of the baguette, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spread the garlic mixture generously over the cut sides of the baguette, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated.

5. Bake Baguette

Finish by cutting the baguette along the scores you made earlier, but don't separate the pieces. Place the prepared baguette on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake it in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is bubbly and starting to brown, and the bread is crisp.

6. Serve

Once out of the oven, transfer the baguette to a cutting board, sprinkle it with a pinch of fleur de sel, and serve it warm. This final touch of sea salt will enhance the flavors and give a delightful crunch to each bite.