📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents the bread from sticking. Trust me, you'll appreciate this step later.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the whole dish.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that spinach loses a lot of volume when cooked, so don't be alarmed by the initial amount.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or your hands. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy melt! No one likes a soggy melt.
5. In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
6. Slice the sourdough bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick. You want a sturdy slice that can hold all that cheesy goodness. I love using a serrated knife for this; it makes slicing so much easier.
7. Spread a generous amount of the spinach artichoke mixture onto each slice of sourdough bread. Make sure to cover the entire surface, leaving no corner untouched. We want cheesy goodness in every bite!
8. Place the prepared slices of bread onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they're not too close together, as you want even heat distribution.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them; ovens can vary, and you don't want to burn the bread.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful and satisfying Sourdough Bread Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Melt!