Crisp, chewy, savory garlic bread is the ultimate accompaniment to a plate of spaghetti, pasta or a steamy bowl of soup. This is so easy to make you'll want to serve it often. Try it as an alternative to toast with your breakfast or brunch scrambled eggs. Although this is by no means the healthiest snack, it is also delicious eaten by itself dipped in Ranch Dressing.

1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
1 tsp. to 1 Tbsp. minced jarred garlic
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
1 large loaf French or Italian bread
shredded cheese

In a small bowl combine well the butter, garlic and Italian seasoning. If you love garlic, you can add more than 1 Tbsp. Set aside.

Slice the loaf of bread in half crosswise. Slice each of these in half lengthwise so you have 4 large slices of bread. Divide the butter mixture evenly among the slices of bread and spread to cover the cut surface entirely.

Sprinkle generously with your favorite shredded cheese.

Heat on a baking sheet in a 375F degree oven 5 - 10 minutes or until desired crispness and cheese is golden. Remove from baking sheet and cool on a serving plate until cool enough to slice into smaller pieces.

I was craving garlic bread the other night and created this recipe. I made half of the loaf using the Parmesan sprinkle cheese you put on spaghetti and the other half was topped with shredded Vermont white sharp cheddar cheese. They were both delicious, but I truly preferred the one made with the cheddar cheese.