Beer Cheese in a Bread Bowl

Beer Cheese in a Bread Bowl

1 round loaf (1 pound) pumpernickel bread
2 jars (5 ounces each) sharp American cheese spread
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer
1/2 cup real bacon bits

* Directions: 
Cut top fourth off loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Cube removed bread; set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cheese spread and cream cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in beer. Microwave, uncovered, 20 seconds longer. Stir in bacon.

Fill bread shell with cheese dip. Serve with reserved bread cubes.
Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

* Originally published as Beer Cheese in a Bread Bowl in Simple & Delicious July/August 2008, p57