Herbed Garlic Cheese Bread

Makes: 8 servings

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves or pinch of dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground white pepper

1 large loaf French or sourdough French bread

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the basil, thyme, oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well blended.

3. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread the cut side of each half with half of the butter mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Slice the bread halves into 2-inch-thick slices about three-fourths of the way through. Make sure that you haven’t cut all the way through, and that the crust is still holding the bread together. Wrap each half tightly in aluminum foil.

4. Place the loaves on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The topping should be bubbling. Remove from the foil wrap and serve immediately.

Note: This may be prepared four hours in advance through Step 3 and refrigerated. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.