Cheesy Chipotle Garlic Bread

Holy cow this is good!  It is crispy and crunchy and cheesy and just a little spicy.  The chipotle peppers (a.k.a.  food of the Gods) are perfect with the garlic and pepper jack cheese.  They add a smokey goodness that you can't find anywhere else.  Don't worry, this bread isn't uber spicy.  There is a definite kick, but whether it kicks like a kitten or a mule is up to you.  If you like spice, add more chipotles.  I tasted the butter before I spread it on the bread to make sure it was just right.

There are a few hints to help this turn out nice and crispy.  First, preheat your baking sheet.  That blast of heat you get from the pan really helps get it cooking.  Second, start with a nice soft Italian bread.  Finally, be sure to slice all the way through the bread.  I've always cut my bread like an accordion leaving it attached at the bottom, wrapped it in foil and heated it.  And that's really good, but when you slice clear through the bread and let it get crispy it adds really nice texture to any meal. 

Cheesy Chipotle Garlic Bread

Serves 6



12	tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks)  unsalted butter , softened
4	garlic cloves , minced
1/4	teaspoon  sugar
1/4	teaspoon  salt
1/4	teaspoon  pepper
2	teaspoons  minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce
12	(1-inch) slices  Italian bread
1 1/2	cups  grated pepper Jack cheese

Adjust oven rack to middle position, place rimmed baking sheet on rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees. Using fork, beat butter, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and chipotle chiles in small bowl until combined. Spread butter mixture evenly over both sides of bread.

Arrange buttered bread on heated baking sheet and bake until golden brown on fist side, 8 to 10 minutes. Flip and bake until golden brown on second side, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle bread with cheese in last minute of baking. Serve warm.

Source:  Cooks Country