Garlic Confit Toast

• • head garlic, cloves peeled

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan

  • 2 teaspoons chopped oregano

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 baguette

Cook garlic in butter in a small covered saucepan over medium-low heat until golden brown and very soft, 15−20 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; let cool.

Add Parmesan, oregano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes to garlic and mash to a paste; season with kosher salt.

Heat broiler. Slice baguette in half lengthwise, then crosswise. Broil, cut side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet until golden brown, about 2 minutes (watch carefully). Let cool slightly, then spread cut side with garlic paste. Broil until cheese is golden and bubbling, about 2 minutes. (Mine took only 1 1/2 minutes) Slice.