preheat oven to 350˚

cut the top off the loaf of bread(a circle about 3-4 inches wide), set aside

use a paring knife to cut a circle about 3-4 inches wide and 2-3 inches deep, remove the bread and cut to bite size pieces--store in bag to keep soft

chop the bacon and fry over medium heat until crispy

drain well

mix the mayonnaise and the bacon together

run the garlic through a garlic press and add to the mayonnaise

add the cheese and the hot sauce if using

stir well

put it in the bread where you took out the center--do not pack down just place it in there

cover with the disk you took off

bake for 45-55 minutes or until cheese in the middle is thoroughly melted

serve with the bread you removed and encourage people to tear off the bread and eat it too

also serve with extra crackers

**Optional Preparation**

prepare and bake in a small (1-2 cup) gratin dish

top with 2 TBSP bread crumbs

bake for 30-40 minutes or until cheese is thoroughly melted

then run under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown the top

serve with crackers