Crispy Garlic Bread

Makes 12 slices

Start with a soft Italian bread, not a rustic, crusty loaf. Use a rasp grater or the small holes of a box grater to grate the garlic.

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 garlic cloves, grated (see note) or minced
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 12 (1-inch) slices Italian bread (see note)

Instructions

• 1. MAKE PASTE Adjust oven rack to middle position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees. Using fork, beat butter, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in small bowl until combined. Spread butter mixture evenly over both sides of bread.
• 2. TOAST BREAD Arrange buttered bread on heated baking sheet and bake until golden brown on fist side, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip and bake until golden brown on second side, about 5 minutes. Serve.