Ghost Pepper Bread Recipe

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Making this fiery masterpiece at home might sound like a dare; truth be told, it kind of is. But as someone who has flirted with the Scoville scale more times than I can count, I’m here to guide you through every sizzle, pop, and tantalizing aroma. When Subway introduced their Ghost Pepper Bread, it was a clarion call to spicy food lovers everywhere, proving once again that there’s no peak too high to summit when it comes to flavor.

How to make Ghost Pepper Bread

Ghost Pepper Bread is a spicy bread that incorporates ghost peppers, one of the hottest chili peppers in the world. This bread typically features a basic dough enhanced with ghost pepper puree, flakes, or powder, giving it a fiery kick.

Ingredients:

• 450g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 300ml warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 tablespoon ghost pepper powder (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeños (or regular Monterey Jack if preferred)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until it forms a dough.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Add the Spice:

1. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air.
2. Flatten the dough into a rectangle and evenly sprinkle ghost pepper powder, garlic powder, and paprika over the surface.
3. Roll up the dough tightly, tuck the ends under, and shape it into a loaf.

Prepare for Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a small dish, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
4. Brush the surface of the loaf with the egg wash, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom.
2. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Baking Tips:

• Heat Adjustment: Ghost peppers are extremely spicy. If you’re not used to high heat, start with less ghost pepper powder. You can always add more in future batches as you become more accustomed to the spice level.
• Yeast Proofing: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot when mixing with yeast. Too high a temperature can kill the yeast, preventing your bread from rising.
• Slicing Cheese: For the cheese on top of the bread, try slicing it thinly instead of shredding it for a more even melt and coverage.
• Storage: Ghost Pepper Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

What to serve with

Ghost Pepper Bread, with its heady kick of heat and intense flavor, is versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes or stand out on its own as a bold appetizer.

Creamy Dips:

• Cooling Yogurt or Sour Cream-Based Dip: The coolness of yogurt or sour cream can provide a welcome contrast to the intensity of the ghost pepper. Cucumber dill or ranch dips are great choices.
• Cream Cheese Spread: A spread made from cream cheese and herbs like chives or dill can be a delicious counterbalance to the warmth of the bread.

Soups and Stews:

• Hearty Chili: Pair the bread with a robust chili, which can withstand the spice factor.
• Creamy Soups: Enjoy slices of ghost pepper bread with creamy soups like potato, tomato bisque, or corn chowder. The creaminess helps mellow out the spice.
• Lentil or Bean Stew: Nutrient-rich lentil or bean stews with earthy flavors also complement the bread well.

Proteins:

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Serve the bread alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork. The ghost pepper adds more flavor to the savory meat.
• Seafood: If you like heat with your fish, the bread pairs nicely with grilled or blackened seafood.

Cheeses:

• Cheese Platter: An assortment of milder cheeses like brie, mozzarella, or creamy goat cheese can help balance the palate when eating spicy bread.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Use the bread to create a next-level grilled cheese sandwich—a surefire way to elevate this comfort food classic.

Salads:

• Garden Salad: To add some crunch and freshness to your meal, serve the bread with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
• Greek Salad: A Greek salad with feta and a tangy dressing can balance the heat nicely.

Spreads:

• Hummus: A classic or garlic-flavored hummus spread on slices of ghost pepper bread adds to the bread’s flavor while taming the heat.
• Guacamole: A rich and creamy guacamole works well when spread on the bread or served as a dip.

Beverages:

• Cool Beverages: To relieve the heat, serve with chilled beverages like iced tea, milk, or lassi.
• Beer Pairing: A light lager or a slightly sweet beer, like a Belgian wheat ale, can also help soothe the palate after bites of fiery bread.

Ingredients Substitutes

Due to the intense heat of ghost peppers, making ghost pepper bread offers a thrilling culinary adventure. However, not everyone has access to ghost peppers or can handle the level of spice. Luckily, numerous alternatives and ingredient substitutes can be used to adjust the heat level while still creating a delicious, spicy bread.

Ghost Pepper Substitute:

• Habanero Peppers: While still very hot, habaneros are a step down from ghost peppers in terms of Scoville heat units. They offer a fruity flavor that can nicely complement the bread.
• Jalapeño or Serrano Peppers: You can use jalapeños or serranos for a much milder option. You’ll need more of these to approximate the desired heat level, and they’ll introduce a slightly different but enjoyable flavor profile.
• Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper: If fresh peppers aren’t an option, dry chili flakes or cayenne pepper powder can be used. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your heat tolerance.

Flour Substitute:

• Whole Wheat Flour: If you’re looking for a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will give your bread a denser texture and a nuttier flavor.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Look for one meant for bread baking to ensure it has the right flour and xanthan gum for structure.

Dairy Substitute:

• Almond Milk or Coconut Milk: If the recipe calls for milk and you need a non-dairy option, unsweetened almond or coconut milk can be used equally. This substitution works well and adds a slightly nutty or coconut flavor to the bread.
• Vegan Butter: For recipes requiring butter, a vegan butter substitute can be used. It provides a similar fat content without dairy.

Sugar Substitute:

Honey or Maple Syrup: If you want to avoid refined sugar, honey or maple syrup can be excellent substitutes. They add a unique flavor while sweetening your bread. Use three-quarters of a cup of liquid sweetener for every cup of granulated sugar called for in your recipe, and slightly reduce other liquid ingredients to balance the moisture.

Yeast Substitute:

• Sourdough Starter: A sourdough starter can be a great alternative for those wishing to avoid commercial yeast. This will change the flavor profile of your bread, adding a tangy note that can pair interestingly with the spiciness of the peppers.
• Baking Powder and Lemon Juice: In recipes where yeast is used primarily as a leavening agent, a combination of baking powder and lemon juice can work instead for quick bread versions. This would significantly alter the bread’s texture, making it more akin to a spicy loaf cake or cornbread.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a loaf of Ghost Pepper Bread that’s not only a bold flavor statement but also a true conversation starter at any table. 

More Bread Recipes:

• Unleavened Indian Flatbread (Roti) Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Beer Bread Recipe