Char Broiled Recipe

Prepare garlic butter

Melt the unsalted butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat or in a heatproof bowl in 20–30 second bursts in the microwave. Remove from heat before it fully boils.

Stir the minced garlic into the warm melted butter. Let sit for 5 minutes off heat so the garlic softens and flavors infuse but does not brown.

Add the finely chopped parsley, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, lemon zest, black pepper, and kosher salt to the butter-garlic mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust salt or lemon zest as desired.

Preheat: If using a grill, preheat to high (450–550°F / 230–290°C). If using a broiler, set the oven rack 4–6 inches from the element and preheat broiler to high.

Slice the bread into 1/2" (1.2 cm) thick slices on the diagonal to create toast points; you should get about 12–16 slices from one baguette depending on length.

Brush each slice lightly with olive oil on both sides to promote browning and to help prevent sogginess from the butter.

Char-broil: Place bread slices directly on the grill grates or on a foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler in a single layer. Broil or grill for 1–2 minutes per side, watching closely, until grill marks appear and the edges begin to brown and crisp. Flip and char the other side similarly. Total time will be 2–4 minutes depending on heat.

Remove the charred toast points and arrange them on a sheet pan or ovenproof tray with the toasted side up.

Immediately brush or spoon about 1 tablespoon of the warm garlic-Parmesan butter onto each toast point so it soaks slightly into the hot bread. Reserve roughly 2–3 tablespoons of butter for finishing if desired.

Sprinkle each buttered toast point with a light dusting of the extra grated Parmesan (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per slice) and a pinch of freshly minced parsley for color.

Optional second char: For a melded, slightly crisp top, return the buttered, topped toast points to the broiler or grill for 30–45 seconds—just long enough to melt the cheese and set the butter without burning. Watch carefully.

Transfer toast points to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the arranged pieces.

Garnish with remaining minced parsley and serve immediately while warm and crisp alongside salads, soups, or as an appetizer.