Recipe(tried): Bacon Cheese Appetizer Bread

Dear Manyhats-

This is a recipe that's been popular in the Midwest for the last few years - delicious and easy. It's big hit in my family at the holidays, especially when we're all waiting for the turkey to be done!

Bacon Cheese Appetizer Bread

1 lb [thawed] frozen bread dough loaf, or 1 lb pizza dough
[I get mine from the local bakery]
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 [1 ounce] package dry ranch salad dressing mix
1 [12 oz] package bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

Cook bacon until just done, but not crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Warm oven to 175-200 degrees. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Add one tbsp olive oil to large mixing bowl and set aside.

Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick rectangle on oiled board or counter. Cut into 1 inch wide strips. Hold strips over mixing bowl and cut into 1 inch squares with sharp kitchen shears.

Add bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing mix to bowl with second tbsp olive oil. Mix well but gently, with large spatula or your hands.

Empty mixture into 9x13 inch pan, spreading evenly. Do not press down. Spray a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place over top.

Turn off oven and place pan in oven to let dough rise until the dough doubles, 1 to 1 /2 hours.

Remove pan, and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Gently remove plastic wrap to prevent deflating dough. Bake 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cutting board. Serve warm, with plenty of napkins, encouraging guests to pull apart the bread with their hands. Serves 12-16. I sometimes serve it with a medium salsa.

Enjoy!