Cheesy Artichoke French Bread

A friend brought this to a potluck gathering of our email group, and so many of us requested the recipe that she just emailed it to the whole group! It's a little spendy to make, and thoroughly fattening, but it's so yummy that every once in a while it is worth it. ♥
The comment at the end (about pigging out) is from her...but I agree.


1 loaf french bread (fresh and homemade is always nice, but this recipe also works well for a loaf that's getting a little crusty)
1/2 cup butter
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 T sesame seeds (I never have these on hand so I always leave them out)
1 1/2 c sour cream
2 cups cubed Monterey Jack cheese (this is more or less a pound)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 T chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (she used fresh grated lemon zest and salt and pepper, I often just use a lemon herb seasoning, such as the "fish seasoning" from costco)
1 14oz can artichoke hearts, drained (chop up a bit if they are large)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cut bread lengthwise. Tear out insides in large chunks (though not too huge--go for about 1 inch chunks).
Melt butter in a skillet, stir in garlic and sesame seeds. Add chunks of bread and fry until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Combine in a medium bowl: sour cream, jack cheese, parmesan, parsley, and lemon seasoning. Mix well.
Stir in artichoke hearts and bread mixture. Mix well.
Spoon into bread halves and sprinkle top of each half with cheddar cheese.
Bake at 350* for about 30 minutes. Slice into servings or just take one half for yourself and pig out! ☺