Easy Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Bread

cream cheese (lite is okay), very soft

unsalted butter (half of 1 stick) , very soft

(about 8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese (monterey jack, fontina, or another easy-melting cheese may be substituted)

cooked and diced bacon (from about 8 strips)

jalapeno peppers, diced with about 6 rounds reserved for garnishing (from about 1 small jalapeno)

garlic powder, or to taste (1 to 2 finely minced garlic cloves may be substituted)

loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise (you will only use 1 of the halves for the recipe)