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1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
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2
Cut off the top of the bread loaf.
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3
Scoop out part of the interior of the loaf and reserve the bread chunks.
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4
Set aside.
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5
In a frying pan, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy.
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6
Drain and add it to a medium-sized bowl.
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7
Add all of the other ingredients and mix until smooth.
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8
(If using baking method #2, reserve a sprinkling of cheese and bacon.)
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9
There are 2 methods to making this hot spinach dip.
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10
Both are equally delicious!
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11
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.
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12
Carefully wrap the bread in two layers of aluminum foil.
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13
Bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the loaf is heated all the way through the center.
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14
Remove the loaf from the oven, remove the aluminum foil and serve with reserved bread, extra bread cubes, and crackers.
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15
Method #2: Place the spinach dip in an oven safe dish.
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16
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted.
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17
Remove from the oven and scoop the hot spinach dip into the hollowed bread.
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18
Sprinkle the spinach dip with additional cheese and bacon.
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19
Place the loaf on a baking sheet and place it in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted.
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20
Serve with reserved bread, extra bread cubes, and crackers.
