Nigella Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe [GUIDE]

So, if you’re looking for a new way to elevate your garlic bread game, Nigella Lawson’s Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread is an absolute revelation. It’s everything you love about classic garlic bread-soft, warm and buttery. but with a spicy, cheesy twist that takes it to a whole new level. The combination of chilli and cheese creates a balance of heat and creamy indulgence that’s hard to beat.

Nigella is a genius when it comes to making comfort food feel sophisticated yet accessible. Her version of garlic bread isn’t just about slathering butter and garlic on bread. She layers in rich cheese and a kick of chilli, so it becomes more than just a side dish. it could be a main event on your dinner table if you ask me.

Imagine taking that first bite: the crunchy, golden crust giving way to the buttery interior while the cheese oozes and the chilli gives you a little surprise of heat. It’s not overly spicy but it definitely leaves a warm sensation that lingers just enough to make you want more. Perfect for pairing with pasta, grilled meats or even just on its own when you’re looking for a snack that feels just a little bit fancy.

Nigella Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for this garlic bread aren’t too crazy but each one has a specific role to make the bread just right. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A baguette or rustic loaf of bread. This forms the base of the dish. Something with a crusty exterior that can handle all the toppings and still maintain a bit of crunch is perfect.
2. Butter – Softened to make the mixing process easier. It’s the hero of any garlic bread, so don’t skimp on this one.
3. Garlic – Fresh is best, so you’ll be mincing it up yourself. The garlic adds that signature aroma and flavor that everyone loves about garlic bread.
4. Chilli flakes – This is the magic ingredient that takes the bread to the next level. You can adjust how much you add depending on how much heat you’re after. Just remember, a little goes a long way.
5. Cheese – Nigella suggests grated mozzarella and parmesan but I’ve found that a combination of these two gives you the perfect melt and saltiness. The mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey factor while the parmesan gives it a sharp bite.
6. Fresh herbs – I love using parsley for garnish. It adds a bit of freshness and color to the bread, balancing the richness.
7. Olive oil – A drizzle on top of the bread gives it an extra layer of flavor and helps with that crispy golden crust.

Equipment Needed

Now as for the tools you’ll need:

1. A baking tray – You’ll need something to bake your bread on. A regular one works fine but I recommend a baking sheet with a lip to catch any butter or cheese that might melt off.
2. A sharp knife – You’ll be slicing your bread and mincing the garlic, so a good, sharp knife is essential.
3. A bowl for mixing – A medium-sized bowl to mix the butter, garlic and spices before spreading it on the bread.
4. A cheese grater – This will be used to grate both the mozzarella and the parmesan. Freshly grated cheese always melts so much better than pre-grated, so I’d suggest taking the extra minute to grate your own.
5. A spoon or spatula. To spread that delicious garlic butter mixture evenly across the bread.
6. Aluminum foil (optional) – If you want to bake your garlic bread covered for a bit which helps it stay soft or leave it uncovered for a more crispy finish.

Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread

Let me walk you through the steps to make this decadent garlic bread. It’s super simple but each step counts.

1. Preheat your oven to about 200°C (400°F). I usually get the oven going first so it’s nice and hot by the time I’ve prepped everything.
2. Prepare the bread – Slice your baguette or loaf into thick slices (about 2-3 cm wide). I like to slice diagonally for a more ’rustic’ feel but it’s not essential. Just make sure they’re not too thin or the garlic butter won’t cling as well.
3. Make the garlic butter. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chilli flakes and half of the mozzarella. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage but it’s up to you based on how salty your cheese is. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and well-combined.
4. Spread the mixture – Use a spoon or spatula to spread the garlic butter generously onto each slice of bread. Be sure to coat the edges, too! You want every bite to have a little bit of that magic garlic butter on it.
5. Top with cheese – Once all your slices are buttered, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top of each slice, followed by the parmesan. The cheese should melt beautifully, creating a deliciously gooey top.
6. Bake the bread – Place the slices on a baking tray and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and serve – Remove the bread from the oven and give it a quick sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of olive oil wouldn’t hurt. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and melty.

What I Learnt

Now, I don’t know about you but sometimes I go into a recipe thinking, "How hard can it be?" And then a few steps in, I realize I could’ve done something better. With Nigella’s chilli cheese garlic bread, I learned a few things I didn’t expect.

Firstly, don’t be afraid of the chilli. When I first made it, I was worried it might be too spicy, especially for my friends who don’t love heat. But the mozzarella and butter balance out the chilli so well that it’s just a hint of heat. enough to make you sit up and pay attention but not overwhelming. It’s all about that perfect harmony between the creamy cheese and the zing from the chilli.

Secondly, the type of bread matters. I used a regular baguette the first time but then tried it with a sourdough loaf and wow. what a difference. The slightly tangy flavour of the sourdough worked so well with the rich, buttery garlic and spicy cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, try switching up the bread and see what you think!

Lastly, I realized that cheese is EVERYTHING in this recipe. The first time I made it, I used whatever mozzarella I had lying around but when I used a good, fresh mozzarella, the difference in melt and flavor was incredible. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan really gives it that rich, stretchy and flavorful bite that makes it so addictive.

FAQs

Can I Make Nigella’s Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! You can prep the garlic butter mixture and spread it on the bread the night before. Just cover it with cling film and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!

What Type Of Bread Works Best For Nigella’s Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread?

Nigella recommends a sturdy white bread, like a baguette or a ciabatta, because it holds up well to all that gooey cheese and spicy garlic butter. The key is getting something that won’t go soggy too quickly, so a thicker loaf is your friend here.

How Spicy Is Nigella’s Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread?

The heat level depends on how much fresh chilli you add. Nigella uses fresh red chillies, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by either removing the seeds or using milder chillies. If you’re not a fan of heat, you could even leave them out completely-your garlic bread will still be flavorful!