Notes from our test kitchen; for a crispier bread place the slices under the broiler and toast before topping with the spread, you could divide the spread between 2 loaves if desired or use 1-1/2 loaves of bread

Yield one 1-pound loaf

Instructions:

1 cup mayonnaise (do not use salad dressing)

1 cup very soft butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or can use 1 large garlic clove, minced)

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

6 green onions, finely chopped

1 (8-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, well drained (hand-squeeze out any excess moisture)

1 (4-1/4 ounce) can sliced black or green olives, well drained and finely chopped (hand-squeeze out any excess moisture)

1 (1-pound) loaf unsliced French bread

Instructions:————————————

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare an ungreased 15 x 10-inch baking sheet.

In a large bowl combine the mayonnaise with butter and garlic.

Mix in the next 4 ingredients.

Slice the bread in half lengthwise.

Place both halves on the baking sheet.

Spread with cheese mixture onto the cut sides of the bread.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Taste Tester Notes; for extra flavor mix in some cooked crumbled bacon or chopped cooked ham, instead of dicing finely you can coarsely grated the potatoes, do not cook the potatoes until very soft

Servings 8-10

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes, cooked and diced very finely or coarsely shredded (russets or red potatoes)

2 cups sour cream

4-1/2 tablespoons melted butter, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder

pinch cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

3  green onions, chopped

Instructions:————————————

Do not cook the potatoes until very soft.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 2-1/2 quart baking dish.

Place the cooked cubed potatoes in a large bowl

In a medium bowl combine the sour cream with 3 tablespoons melted butter, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt and black pepper until smooth and combined.

Mix in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.

Transfer to baking dish.

Drizzle with remaining 1-1/2 tablespoons melted butter.

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.

Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and return to oven for 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Servings 6-8

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Mix in one large bowl and bake! add in a can of corn kernels also if desired

Servings 6 main dish/8-10 side dish

Ingredients:

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (8-ounce) jar picante sauce

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cooked rice

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

tortilla chips, optional

Instructions:————————————-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl combine the first 6 ingredients until well combined.

Stir in cooked rice, black beans and 1 cup cheddar cheese.

Transfer to baking dish.

Sprinkle the top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serve with tortilla chips on the side.