Start by gathering your softened butter in a mixing bowl. Allow the butter to come to room temperature. Once it’s soft enough, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Using a fork, mix everything together until well-blended. Taste it right here. You should get a buttery, garlicky flavor with a hint of zest and spice. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Now it’s time to choose your bread. Whether you select a French or Italian loaf, you’ll want to slice it properly. For a French loaf, cut it into half-lengthwise. If you’ve got a whole Italian loaf, cut it into thick slices.

Make sure to keep the slices thick enough so they don’t fall apart.

Take your butter blend and generously slather it onto the cut sides of the bread. Be liberal here; you want an even coat for that amazing flavor. It’s a real treat when every bite is packed with garlic goodness!

After applying the garlic butter, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Don't skimp—the cheese is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the edges get crispy and the cheese has melted beautifully.

If you want a little extra crispiness, you can broil it for the last minute. Just keep a careful eye on it to prevent burning.

Once golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then slice into pieces. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!