Hot Spinach Dip

Preheat the oven to 300ºF.

Cut off the top of the bread loaf. Scoop out part of the interior of the loaf and reserve the bread chunks. Set aside.

In a frying pan, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Drain and add it to a medium-sized bowl. Add all of the other ingredients and mix until smooth. (If using baking method #2, reserve a sprinkling of cheese and bacon.)

There are 2 methods to making this hot spinach dip. Both are equally delicious!

Method #1:
Place the spinach dip into the bread hollow and place the top of the bread back on the loaf, covering the spinach dip. Carefully wrap the bread in two layers of aluminum foil. Bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the loaf is heated all the way through the center. Remove the loaf from the oven, remove the aluminum foil and serve with reserved bread, extra bread cubes, and crackers.

Method #2:
Place the spinach dip in an oven safe dish. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and scoop the hot spinach dip into the hollowed bread. Sprinkle the spinach dip with additional cheese and bacon. Place the loaf on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted. Serve with reserved bread, extra bread cubes, and crackers.