California Gourmet Garlic Loaf

California Gourmet Garlic Loaf

This delicious appetizer was a 1982 contest winner!

I've had this recipe for over ten years now and finally

tried it!.. It is so rich, cheesy and delicious

I thought I'd share it with everyone.

Hope you enjoy it!

1 (1 lb.) long loaf sweet French bread

1/2 Cups butter

6 Cloves fresh garlic, crushed

2 T. sesame seeds

1 1/2 Cups sour cream

2 Cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

1/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 t. lemon pepper seasoning

2T. dried parsley flakes

1 14 oz. Can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 6-oz. Can pitted ripe olives

Tomato slices and parsley sprigs

Cut French bread in halves length-wise. Place halves on aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Tear out soft inner portion of bread in chunks, leaving crusts intact.

Melt butter in large skillet and stir in garlic and sesame seeds. Add bread chunks and fry until bread is golden and butter is absorbed. Remove from heat.

Combine sour cream, Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes and lemon pepper. Stir in artichoke hearts and toasted bread mixture; mix well.

Spoon into the bread crust and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile drain olives, the when bread is done, arrange the olives around the edges of bread and tomato slices down the center of each half loaf. Top the tomatoes with parsley springs.

Serves 8

This recipe Is a Keeper!.. :)

~ I think next time I'll add the olives and tomatoes during the last 7-8 minutes of baking! This is sooo delicious and rich! You will need a fork and knife to eat it! ~