Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Chop half of the jalapeño slices. Reserve the rest to place on top.

Cut the bread in half lengthwise, then place both pieces cut side up on the sheet pan. Brush both pieces with softened garlic butter. Bake for 5 minutes.

In a medium bowl with a hand mixer, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, salt and pepper. Remove the bread from the oven.

*If you'd like to add cooked bacon crumbles, you can add them to the cream cheese mixture AND or sprinkle the top with bacon.

Spread both pieces of the bread with the cream cheese mixture and grated mozzarella cheese. Arrange the reserved sliced jalapeños on the top of the cheese.

Place the bread back in the oven for 6-10 more minutes, to melt the cheese. 

Remove from the oven and place on a cutting board. Let cool for a few minutes.

Slice and serve.