Ranch Party Bread

This recipe is courtesy of Land O' Lakes.  This actually turns out very well, and makes a good appetizer or party food!

What you'll need:

• 1 (16oz) loaf of Italian or sourdough bread
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp dry ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup chopped bacon, or bacon bits
• 1/4 cup jalepeno peppers (from a jar), chopped
• 10 sliced American cheese, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Place two (24 inch) pieces of aluminum foil, overlapping each other, on a flat surface.

Cut bread, using serrated knife, in a grid (checkerboard) pattern, being careful to not go all the way through the bottom, and leaving about 1" between slices.  Place on center of aluminum foil.

Combine butter and ranch mix in bowl.  Add all remaining ingredients, except parsley.  Stir to combine.

Carefully spoon mixture the cuts you've made in the bread.  Wrap the foil loosely around the bread, and place on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 30 minutes.  Pull back aluminum foil to expose the bread, and continue baking another 5-10 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and the cheese is melted.  Sprinkle parsley over top for garnish.

Serve immediately, this is best while still warm.  Make sure you use 2 forks, or a set of tongs, to grab the filling when pulling pieces of the bread out.  Enjoy!