Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Garlic Bread

Jalapeno Popper Cheesy Garlic Bread 1 loaf of Italian bread 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 to 1,5 teaspoon garlic powder 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup pickled jalapeno slices, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the bread lengthwise and place both parts face up on the sheet. Brush both pieces with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 5 minutes. In the meantime, divide the jalapenos. Save the pretty slices to place on top of the bread (About 1/4 cup). Chop the rest. I n a medium mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, chopped jalapenos, salt and pepper. Remove the bread from the oven. Uncover. Spread the jalapeno dip mixture on the bread, dividing equally between the two pieces of bread. Top with cheese. Arrange the reserved jalapeno slices over the cheese. Place bread back in the oven for 2 to 4 more minutes, to melt the cheese. (see note) Remove from the oven and place on a cutting board. Let cool for few minutes. Slice and serve. Note: We like our cheese so melted that it starts to brown. I place the bread under the broiler set on low setting and broil for 20 seconds. Watch the bread while melting the cheese and remove from oven as soon as it reaches the desired look