Classic American Garlic Bread

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees. Meanwhile, toast garlic cloves in 8-inch skillet over medium heat, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color of cloves deepens slightly, about 8 minutes. When cool enough to handle, peel and mince cloves (you should have about 3 tablespoons). Using dinner fork, mash garlic, butter, Parmesan, and salt in bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Spread cut sides of loaf evenly with garlic and butter mixture; season with pepper. Transfer loaf halves, buttered side up, onto rimmed baking sheet and bake until surface of bread is golden brown and toasted, 5 to 10 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Cut each half into 2-inch slices; serve immediately.

HERB GARLIC BREAD
Mash 1 tablespoon each minced fresh basil and chives and 1-1⁄2 teaspoons each minced fresh thyme and oregano into garlic and butter mixture.

CHIPOTLE GARLIC BREAD
Mash 4 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce into garlic and butter mixture. Increase baking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

PARMESAN AND ASIAGO CHEESE GARLIC BREAD
Decrease salt to 1⁄4 teaspoon and increase Parmesan to 1⁄4 cup. Mash 1⁄4 cup grated Asiago cheese and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard into garlic and butter mixture.

GOAT CHEESE GARLIC BREAD
Decrease salt to 1⁄4 teaspoon and mash 2 ounces softened goat cheese into garlic and butter mixture. Increase baking time to 10 to 12 minutes.