GARLICKY, CHEESY FRENCH BREAD W/ ARTICHOKE HEARTS

Garlicky, Cheesy French Bread w/ Artichoke Hearts image

Provided by Martha Price

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

(1 lb.) loaf sweet french bread
1/2 c butter
6 clove fresh garlic, peeled and crushed or finely minced
1 and 1/2 c sour cream
2 c cubed monterey jack cheese
1/4 c grated fresh Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp dried parsley leaves
2 tsp lemon pepper
1 can(s) (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
pitted ripe olives, sliced or chopped (optional)
green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut French bread in half length-wise. Place halves on aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Tear out soft inner portion of bread in large chunks, leaving crusts intact.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet and stir in garlic. Add bread chunks and saute until bread is golden and butter is absorbed. Remove from heat.
3. Combine sour cream, Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes and lemon pepper seasoning. Stir in drained artichoke hearts (cut into smaller pieces, if desired) and toasted bread mixture; mix well.
4. Spoon into bread crust shells and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese has melted. If desired, sprinkle with olives and/or green onions. Enjoy!