Chili Crunch Garlic Bread recipe

Chili Crunch Garlic Bread is the perfect appetizer or side dish for those who love a bit of spice in their lives. This recipe combines the classic flavors of garlic bread with a spicy, crunchy twist that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with a family meal, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

To make Chili Crunch Garlic Bread, you’ll need:

• Bread Ingredients:
  • 1 large loaf of French or Italian bread
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Garlic Butter Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chili Crunch Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation

Choosing the Right Bread:

1. Select a fresh, crusty loaf of French or Italian bread. A day-old loaf can also work well as it will absorb the flavors better.

Making the Garlic Butter:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Preparing the Chili Crunch:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assembling the Garlic Bread

Slicing the Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bread loaf in half horizontally. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Spreading the Garlic Butter:

1. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
2. If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter.

Adding the Chili Crunch:

1. Drizzle the chili crunch mixture over the garlic butter-covered bread, ensuring even distribution.

Baking Instructions

Optimal Temperature and Time:

1. Bake the garlic bread in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Tips for Even Baking:

1. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
2. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning, especially around the edges.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Ideas:

1. Serve the chili crunch garlic bread alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
2. It also makes a great appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Presentation Tips:

1. Cut the bread into slices or sticks for easy serving.
2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
2. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.

Variations

Adjusting the Spice Level:

1. For a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
2. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili.

Using Different Cheeses:

1. Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
2. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese after baking for a tangy twist.

Tips for Success

Ensuring the Perfect Crunch:

1. Use fresh, high-quality bread for the best texture.
2. Make sure the chili crunch mixture cools slightly before drizzling to avoid sogginess.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

1. Don’t overbake the bread, as it can become too hard.
2. Spread the garlic butter evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Bread?
   • Yes, store-bought French or Italian bread works perfectly for this recipe.
2. What Type of Chili Works Best?
   • Red pepper flakes are ideal, but you can experiment with different types of dried or fresh chilies.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
4. Can I Freeze Chili Crunch Garlic Bread?
   • Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
5. What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
   • Add a touch of lemon zest to the garlic butter for a citrusy note, or sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

Conclusion

Chili Crunch Garlic Bread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a perfect blend of spicy, crunchy, and savory flavors. This recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

Yield: 4

Chili Crunch Garlic Bread recipe

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Chili Crunch Garlic Bread is the perfect appetizer or side dish for those who love a bit of spice in their lives. This recipe combines the classic flavors of garlic bread with a spicy, crunchy twist that will leave you craving more. Whether you're serving it at a party or enjoying it with a family meal, this garlic bread is sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• Chili Crunch Garlic Butter
• 4 Tbsp Butter 1/2 stick, at room temperature
• 4-6 Cloves Garlic minced
• 2 Tbsp Chili Crunch
• 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
• The Rest of the Garlic Bread
• 1 Baguette
• 3-4 Cups Italian Cheese Blend
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil chopped

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.

Chili Crunch Garlic Butter

• Start by mincing your garlic.
• In a small bowl, add the room-temperature butter. If your butter isn't completely soft, it can be microwaved briefly. You want the butter to be mostly solid, but it's okay if a little portion of it melts.
• Add the minced garlic, chili crunch, and garlic powder to the butter. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

The Rest of the Garlic Bread

• Cut your baguette into quarters, then split each quarter lengthwise so that the interior is exposed. You should have 8 total pieces.
• Place slices of bread onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
• Evenly divide the chili crunch garlic butter onto each slice, spreading out with a spoon.
• Then, top with a blend of Italian cheeses, such as parmesan, mozzarella, asiago, fontina, etc. I provided measurements, but you can add as much or as little cheese as you like here!
• If desired, drizzle a little more chili crunch onto the cheese.
• Bake garlic bread in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and has started to brown. CHECK THE BREAD frequently past the 10 minute mark to prevent burning.
• Once the garlic bread is done, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Then, top with the chopped parsley and basil.
• Serve warm. Enjoy!