1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

Start by preparing the garlic butter mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed. The garlic butter should be smooth and fragrant.

2. Prepare the Bread

Next, take the loaf of Italian bread (or baguette) and slice it in half lengthwise. This will give you two large pieces to work with, making it easy to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface.

If you prefer smaller individual slices, you can slice the bread into smaller pieces before or after spreading the butter. But slicing it in half first is the easiest way to ensure an even spread.

3. Spread the Garlic Butter

Using a spatula or butter knife, generously spread the garlic butter mixture on the cut side of each half of the bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface with a thick, even layer of the butter. This will ensure each bite has that flavorful garlic taste.

4. Add the Cheese and Pepperoni

Once the garlic butter is spread, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bread. Next, top the cheese layer with the grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will add a salty, tangy bite that complements the mozzarella beautifully.

Now, place the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can scatter them evenly across the bread or pile them up to get more pepperoni in each bite. If you prefer your pepperoni crispy, you can place it directly on top, but for a softer texture, you might opt to tuck some underneath the cheese layer.

5. Bake the Garlic Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared bread halves onto a baking sheet, cut side up. If you’ve sliced the bread into smaller pieces, arrange them in a single layer.

Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy. The pepperoni should be slightly crispy on the edges as well, giving it that satisfying crunch.

6. Cool and Slice

Once the garlic bread is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into individual pieces. If you’ve kept the bread in halves, cut each piece into 4-5 slices, depending on your preference.

If you prefer a more rustic look, simply use a serrated knife to cut the bread into slices or squares, ensuring that each piece has a generous amount of garlic butter, cheese, and pepperoni.

7. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, you can optionally garnish your pepperoni garlic bread with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This step is entirely optional but adds a nice, fresh touch to the dish.

Serve the bread warm, and enjoy! It’s perfect for pairing with a salad, pizza, or even enjoyed on its own as a snack.