Cheesy Garlic Bread with Chili Flakes Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Chili Flakes is a deliciously flavorful twist on a classic favorite. This recipe blends roasted garlic, melted mozzarella, and a hint of spicy chili flakes for a perfect appetizer or side dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s sure to become a household staple.

Ingredients

• 3 heads garlic
• Olive oil
• 7 tbsp unsalted low fat butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
• 1/2 loaf ciabatta bread
• 1 1/2 cups light mozzarella, shredded
• Extra parmesan, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Wrap the garlic heads in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Roast the wrapped garlic heads until soft. Once cool, press the garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl and smash with a fork until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add softened butter, chopped parsley, grated parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 3/4 tsp of chili flakes to the garlic. Mix well until combined.
4. Step 4: Slice the ciabatta bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture generously over both halves.
5. Step 5: Top the bread with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 tsp chili flakes and a little fresh parsley on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the chili flakes or omit altogether.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any crusty bread like baguette or French bread works well. Adjust baking time as needed depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based cheese alternatives to keep it dairy-free.

Cheesy Garlic Bread with Chili Flakes Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Garlic Bread with Chili Flakes is a flavorful and irresistible appetizer featuring roasted garlic blended into a buttery, cheesy spread infused with fresh parsley and a spicy kick of chili flakes. Perfectly toasted ciabatta bread is topped with shredded mozzarella and parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden, making it a delightful snack or side dish for any meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Garlic Butter Spread

• 3 heads garlic
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• 7 tbsp unsalted low fat butter (softened)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 3/4 tsp red chili flakes (red pepper flakes)

Bread and Topping

• 1/2 loaf ciabatta bread
• 1 1/2 cups light shredded mozzarella (part-skim mozzarella)
• Extra parmesan (for topping)
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven or air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Wrap each head of garlic in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Bake for about 30 minutes until soft and aromatic.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: Once roasted and cooled slightly, squeeze the garlic cloves out of the skins into a mixing bowl. Smash the garlic cloves with a fork until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the softened low fat butter, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and 3/4 tsp of chili flakes to the smashed garlic. Mix well with a fork or spoon until all ingredients are combined into a smooth spread.
4. Prepare Bread: Slice the ciabatta bread in half lengthwise. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan cheese evenly over the buttered bread halves. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 tsp of chili flakes on top along with some fresh parsley for garnish.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread halves on a baking sheet or air fryer basket and bake at 400°F (205°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven or air fryer, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Roasting the garlic softens and sweetens its flavor, making it easier to spread and less pungent.
• You can adjust the chili flakes amount to control the spiciness level to your taste.
• Using part-skim mozzarella helps reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
• Leftover garlic butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week for other uses.
• For a crispier crust, broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: cheesy garlic bread, garlic bread with chili flakes, easy appetizer, baked garlic bread, Italian bread recipe, spicy garlic bread, low fat cheesy bread