- Start with a loaf of Italian or French bread (or bread of your choice), slice it in half lengthwise.
- Spread butter all over it. (You could toast it in the oven for a few minutes here, but I didn't.)
- Spread a layer of softened cream cheese all over it.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika and black pepper.
- Add some jalapenos, I used drained pickled 'penos for this layer, also dried them a little with a paper towel. Use as many or as few as you'd like, you know your crowd!
- At this point you could also add some crumbled bacon, cooked chicken, or anything else that sounds good.
- Top with a generous amount of cheese. I used cheddar and sprinkled on a little leftover mozzarella.
- Top with thinly sliced fresh jalapenos or more pickled 'penos.
- Bake at 375 degrees until it becomes melted and bubbly, maybe 10 minutes. Finish under the broiler for a minute or two if desired.
- Slice, serve and enjoy with a nice cold drink!
Eat well and have a happy day:@)