I always slice my loaf, (I preferr a bagguette) in half, then spread both halves liberally with my garlic butter, sprinkle a little parmasin on top and put under the broiler or in the regular oven, just until the butter melts and the bread begins to toast a bit.
For something really special try putting the leaves from a bunch of fresh basal in the blender with your minced garlic and softened butter. Then spread this liberaly on the bread and sprinkle with paqrmasin and a bit of parsley. Absolutly delish!!!