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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the ciabatta bread in half lengthwise. Generously spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over both halves of the bread.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
