Loaded Garlic Bread

Loaded Garlic Bread

{makes: 24 pieces Prep: 10 minutes 

microwave: 4 minutes cook: 2 minutes

Bake: at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes}

6 slices of bacon, cut into 4 pieces

8 Tbsp. (1stick) butter

6 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

1 loaf crusty Italian bread, cut into 24 slices, about 1/2 inch thick

3/4 lb. mozzarella cheese, cut into 2 pieces, each cut into 12 slices.

1} Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat 2 large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray

2} Place bacon on a microwave safe plate lined with paper towels cover with another paper towel.Microwave high for 4 minutes or until slightly crisp. Drain off fat and set aside. when cool enough to handle, cut into thin strips.

3} Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat.

4} Place bread on baking sheets. Spoon on butter and garlic. Top each with a slice of cheese. Sprinkle with bacon. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bacon is crispy. Cool slightly.

*Tip: to make a lazy day version of this recipe, I buy garlic bread from the grocery store that's already buttered and flavored. I then just add bacon and cheese and pop it in the oven. It's delicious, saves time, and is a great game-day appetizer.