In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir until smooth and evenly combined. This step is where most of the flavor develops, so don’t rush it.

Lay the bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread a generous, even layer of garlic butter on one side of each slice, reaching all the way to the edges.

Oven Method: Bake at high heat until the edges are crisp and the surface turns golden. For extra browning, briefly switch to broil, watching closely.

Stovetop Method: Place buttered slices butter-side down in a pan over medium heat. Cook until golden and crisp, then flip briefly if desired.

If using cheese, sprinkle it on during the last few minutes of cooking and return to heat until melted.