In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy.
Take your loaf of French or Italian bread and slice it in half lengthwise. This allows for maximum garlic butter coverage and ensures that every bite is filled with flavor.
Using a butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut sides of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface to get that irresistible garlic flavor in every bite.
If you're a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic buttered bread. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared garlic bread on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, remove the garlic bread from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice into pieces and serve warm. Enjoy the rich garlic flavor along with the gooey, melted cheese if you opted for it!