Make sure the oven rack is in the center position and preheat the oven to 350?F.
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Using a serrated bread knife, carefully cut the bread in half lengthwise. Lay the two halves of the bread cut side up on the lined baking sheet.
Place the butter in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir together with a spatula.
Spread the butter mixture evenly onto the cut sides of each loaf half.
Place in the oven and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 15 to 18 minutes.
Using oven mitts or pot holders, remove the sheet from the oven.
Carefully slice the bread diagonally and serve immediately.
Yield: 1 large loaf, serving 6 to 8 as a side dish
A garlic press is a wonderful toolσyou end up with very tiny pieces of fresh garlic without your even using a knife!