Garlic Cheese Bread

Ingredients

•  1 loaf of Italian Baguette or French Bread
•  1/2 cup butter, nearly melted
•  3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
•  1 teaspoon dried parsley
•  8 ounces cream cheese, softened
•  4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
•  2-3 cloves garlic, minced
•  1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
•  pinch chili flakes (optional)
•  salt and pepper, to taste
•  1 cup grated mozzarella
•  parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 400° degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice loaf of bread lengthwise so that you have two long pieces to work with. Place the bread on the baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Using a small bowl, stir garlic powder and parsley into the melted butter and spread or pour evenly over each half of bread.
4. Put the bread back together (cut and buttered sides together), cover in aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
5. While bread is in the oven, use a small bowl to combine cream cheese, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove bread from oven, and turn oven to broil.
7. Open bread back up, place cut side up on parchment lined baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread the cheese mixture onto the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella.
8. Leave bread open faced at this point. Place in the oven, 4-6 inches from the broiler, and heat until cheese is bubbly and brown, about 2-3 minutes. (stay close by and keep checking, this happens pretty quickly)
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.  Garnish with parsley and serve warm