Baked Ziti Casserole, Garlic Bread and Side Salad

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Baguette (About 16-18 inches long)
• 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature)
• 5 cloves Garlic (Freshly minced)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional, for extra flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Oven and Bread

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Using a serrated knife, slice the baguette into 1-inch thick slices. You can slice all the way through for individual pieces or only 3/4 of the way through for a pull-apart loaf.
2. 2

   Create the Garlic Butter Spread

   • In a medium bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
   • If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Mix with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a smooth, creamy paste.
3. 3

   Assemble the Garlic Bread

   • Place the bread slices on a large baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer.
   • Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread. If making a pull-apart loaf, spread the butter between each cut.
4. 4

   Bake to Golden Perfection

   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the butter is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown and crispy.
   • For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.
5. 5

   Serve Warm

   • Remove the garlic bread from the oven.
   • Let it cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.

Ingredients

• 1 large head Romaine Lettuce (Washed, dried, and chopped)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
• 1 medium Cucumber (Peeled and sliced)
• 1 medium Carrot (Shredded)
• 0.25 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Croutons (Use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
• 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing (Or more, to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes)

   • Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce leaves. Dry them completely using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp salad.
   • Chop the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
   • Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and slice the cucumber, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the lettuce.
2. 2

   Combine the Salad Base (2 minutes)

   • Gently toss the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and red onion together in the bowl.
   • Ensure all the vegetables are evenly distributed. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours if preparing ahead.
3. 3

   Dress and Serve (3 minutes)

   • Just before you are ready to serve, add the croutons to the salad bowl.
   • Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad.
   • Toss gently until all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
   • Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the crunch of the croutons.