Cajun Garlic Fingers

Cajun Garlic Fingers Recipe - Flavorful Vegetarian Treat

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cajun Garlic Fingers are a delicious and flavorful appetizer or side dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on crispy French bread. This recipe is perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a tasty snack.

History

Cajun Garlic Fingers are inspired by the flavors of Cajun cuisine, which originated in Louisiana. Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, often incorporating ingredients like garlic, onions, bell peppers, and cayenne pepper. This recipe puts a Cajun twist on classic garlic bread, creating a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

4 French rolls (12 inches)
0.5 lb (227 g) of butter
6 – 8 cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup of Louisiana cajun seasoning

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir in the minced garlic.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Cut the French bread in half lengthwise, then cut it crosswise into 1-inch strips.
Dip the bread strips into the butter and garlic mixture, ensuring all sides are soaked.
Place the bread strips on a cookie sheet.
Using a basting brush, brush the remaining butter and garlic mixture onto the bread.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the bread.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven.
Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and serve.

Variations

Add cooked and crumbled bacon on top before baking for a smoky flavor.
Substitute the Parmesan cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the dish.

- Be careful not to burn the garlic when melting it with the butter. Garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked.

- For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Garlic Fingers as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping, or as a side dish to accompany a main course like pasta or grilled meats.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Cajun Garlic Fingers is to ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked in the butter and garlic mixture before baking. This will ensure the bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have French rolls, you can use a baguette or Italian bread instead. You can also use margarine or olive oil instead of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the butter and garlic mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also assemble the bread strips on the cookie sheet and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cajun Garlic Fingers on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or Cajun seasoning for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin for a casual and inviting look.

Pairing Recommendations

Cajun Garlic Fingers pair well with dishes like Cajun shrimp pasta, grilled chicken, or a hearty salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cajun Garlic Fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cajun Garlic Fingers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cajun Garlic Fingers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cajun Garlic Fingers contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cajun Garlic Fingers contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cajun Garlic Fingers are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and Parmesan cheese) and gluten (French rolls).

Summary

Cajun Garlic Fingers are a flavorful and indulgent dish that is relatively high in fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Cajun Garlic Fingers are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on crispy French bread. Enjoy this indulgent treat as an appetizer or side dish for a special occasion or gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a hot summer day in Louisiana, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie. She was a fantastic cook, always whipping up delicious Cajun dishes that left me craving more.

On this particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to watch her make one of her specialties - Cajun Garlic Fingers. The aroma of garlic and spices filled the air as she expertly chopped and seasoned the ingredients. I watched in awe as she mixed together the herbs and spices, creating a fragrant paste that she spread generously over the bread slices.

As the bread baked in the oven, I couldn't help but ask Marie where she learned to make such a mouthwatering dish. She chuckled and told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. She explained that Cajun Garlic Fingers were a traditional dish in her family, made for special occasions and gatherings.

Marie then shared with me the story of how she first learned to make Cajun Garlic Fingers. She told me that when she was a young girl, her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, teaching her the secrets of Cajun cooking. Marie's grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

Marie's grandmother would patiently show her how to mix the seasonings just right, how to spread the paste evenly over the bread, and how to bake it to perfection. Marie would watch intently, absorbing every detail and savoring every bite of the delicious garlic fingers that came out of the oven.

As Marie grew older, she continued to make Cajun Garlic Fingers for her family and friends, always adding her own twist or variation to the recipe. She would experiment with different herbs and spices, sometimes adding a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a rich flavor.

Now, as I stood in Marie's kitchen watching her make Cajun Garlic Fingers, I felt honored to be a part of this culinary tradition. I could see the pride and joy in her eyes as she shared her family recipe with me, passing down the knowledge and love of Cajun cooking from one generation to the next.

As we sat down to enjoy the warm, crispy bread slices topped with fragrant garlic and herbs, I felt a sense of connection to Marie's family and to the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen for years to come.

So now, whenever I make Cajun Garlic Fingers for my own family and friends, I think of Marie and her grandmother, and the love and tradition that they passed down to me. And I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the delicious flavors and memories that have enriched my life.