Cheesy garlic bread with fresh parsley

• 1 large French baguette or Italian loaf
• 120 ml unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ml salt
• 350 ml shredded mozzarella cheese
• 120 ml shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 30 ml fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 ml red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and salt until smooth.
3. Cut the bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick, but do not cut all the way through if you prefer a pull-apart style, or slice completely for individual pieces as shown.
4. Spread a generous amount of the garlic butter onto one side of each bread slice.
5. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to lightly toast the bread.
6. Remove from the oven and top each slice with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and shows golden brown spots.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve warm as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside pasta, soup, or a fresh garden salad.