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:
- 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:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Preparing the Chili Crunch:
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Assembling the Garlic Bread
Slicing the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the bread loaf in half horizontally. Place the halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Spreading the Garlic Butter:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter.
Adding the Chili Crunch:
- Drizzle the chili crunch mixture over the garlic butter-covered bread, ensuring even distribution.
Baking Instructions
Optimal Temperature and Time:
- Bake the garlic bread in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Tips for Even Baking:
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning, especially around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Ideas:
- Serve the chili crunch garlic bread alongside pasta dishes, soups, or salads.
- It also makes a great appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Presentation Tips:
- Cut the bread into slices or sticks for easy serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
Storage Tips
Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
- Store any leftover garlic bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Avoid using the microwave as it can make the bread soggy.
Variations
Adjusting the Spice Level:
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped fresh chili.
Using Different Cheeses:
- Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese after baking for a tangy twist.
Tips for Success
Ensuring the Perfect Crunch:
- Use fresh, high-quality bread for the best texture.
- Make sure the chili crunch mixture cools slightly before drizzling to avoid sogginess.
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
- Don’t overbake the bread, as it can become too hard.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
FAQs
- Can I Use Store-Bought Bread?
- Yes, store-bought French or Italian bread works perfectly for this recipe.
- What Type of Chili Works Best?
- Red pepper flakes are ideal, but you can experiment with different types of dried or fresh chilies.
- How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Can I Freeze Chili Crunch Garlic Bread?
- Yes, you can freeze the bread before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- 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!
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
- 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!