Classic Garlic Bread - cooking recipe

Ingredients

9 -10 garlic cloves, unpeeled
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 Italian bread (preferably football shaped)
ground pepper

Preparation

Toast the garlic cloves in a small skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and the color of the cloves deepens slightly, about 8 - 9 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, peel and mince the cloves (you should have about 3 T). Using a dinner fork, mash the garlic, butter, cheese and salt in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
Preheat oven to 500.
Spread the cut sides sof the loaf evenly with the butter mixture; season with pepper to taste. Transfer the loaf halves, buttered side up, onto a rimmed baking sheet; bake, reversing the position of the baking sheet in the oven from front to back halfway throught the baking time, until the surface of the bread is golden brown and toasted, 5 - 10 minutes. Cut into 2\" slices; serve immediately.
Note: if using salted butter, use about 1/4 tsp of salt.