Don't Ask How Many Calories Party Dip

The title says it all. If you even have to consider how fattening this is, you're too ready for it. It's also unbelievably high in sodium.

1 loaf sheepherder's or round sourdough bread
1 stick unsalted butter (that's 1/2 cup)
1 bunch green onions, chopped fine
12 cloves garlic (or a bit more) minced fine
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 pint sour cream (not that low-fat stuff, either)
12 ounces grated Cheddar cheese (use a medium Cheddar)
1 (10 ounce) pack artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
    (use the water packed artichoke hearts - if you can't find, use frozen)
6 small French rolls, sliced thinly, but not all the way through.

Cut a hole in the top of the bread loaf about 5 inches in diameter. Remove soft bread from the cut portion. Reserve crust to make a top for the loaf. Remove most of the soft inside part of the loaf. Save for stuffing or bread crumbs. Use about 2 tablespoons of the butter and saut