American Garlic Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 500 degrees.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, toast garlic cloves in small skillet over medium heat, shaking pan occasionally, until fragrant and color of cloves deepens slightly, about 8 minutes (see illustration at right).
3. 3
   When cool enough to handle, skin and mince cloves (you should have about 3 tablespoons).
4. 4
   Using dinner fork, mash garlic, butter, cheese, and salt in small bowl until thoroughly combined.
5. 5
   Spread cut sides of loaf evenly with butter mixture; season to taste with pepper.
6. 6
   Transfer loaf halves, buttered side up, onto rimmed baking sheet; bake, reversing position of baking sheet in oven from front to back halfway through baking time, until surface of bread is golden brown and toasted, 5 to 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Cut each half into 2-inch slices; serve immediately.