Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 10–12 Servings

Comment:
Who doesn’t like a hot French bread snack? Well, we have a great one for you and just in time for tailgating. Just imagine this, French bread stuffed with butter, garlic, three different herbs and sharp Cheddar cheese! Lock the screen door…they’re coming in!

Ingredients:
1 loaf Italian bread
1 pound grated sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup minced smoked sausage
¼ pound butter
8 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
¼ cup chopped basil
¼ cup chopped tarragon
¼ cup chopped parsley
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp granulated garlic

Method:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large, rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Place bread loaf on a cutting board and cut a ½-inch grid pattern crosswise into the bread, leaving ¼-inch intact at base in order to keep bread connected. Using a knife, split the grids lengthwise in one motion to open up bread, taking care to keep ¼-inch base intact. Set aside. In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add smoked sausage, sliced garlic, green onions, basil, tarragon, parsley, red pepper flakes and granulated garlic then sauté 3–5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Gently pry bread apart and spoon butter mixture between cut edges. Gently wrap foil around top of loaf. Bake 10 minutes then remove from oven and carefully open foil. Sprinkle cheese over top, gently pushing cheese into cut bread. Return to oven and bake, uncovered, 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top. Remove from oven and serve immediately.