17 Chili Crisp Recipes for Anyone Who Secretly Puts It on Everything

Once you try chili crisp, plain food never tastes quite the same. This crunchy, spicy, garlicky topping has taken over social media, with more than 200 million TikTok views in a single year, by one trend tracker’s count. These chili crisp recipes show you how to put it on just about everything, starting with breakfast..

Smashed chili crisp eggs on toast, where chili crisp recipes begin

Two soft eggs, one spoon of crunchy chili crisp, and breakfast suddenly has a cult following. Smashed chili crisp eggs are all over TikTok, and they take just 10 minutes. The jammy yolks mix with the spicy oil and soak into crispy sourdough. Fair warning: you may never eat plain eggs on toast again. Are you a runny yolk or a firm yolk person?

You will need: 2 eggs, 1 thick slice sourdough, 1 teaspoon butter, 1 tablespoon chili crisp, 1 scallion sliced, sesame seeds, flaky salt.

How to make it: Lower the eggs into boiling water and cook 6 1/2 minutes, then move to ice water for 2 minutes and peel. Toast the bread and spread with butter. Smash the eggs on the toast with a fork. Spoon chili crisp over the top and finish with scallion, sesame seeds and flaky salt.

Homemade chili crisp, the base of all our chili crisp recipes

Store jars are great, but homemade chili crisp lets you control the heat and the crunch. Fried shallots and garlic give it that famous crispy texture, and the oil takes on a deep, savory flavor. A jar keeps in the fridge for about a month, so make a big batch. How spicy do you like it? A) Mild B) Medium C) Bring the fire.

You will need: 1 cup neutral oil, 4 shallots thinly sliced, 8 cloves garlic thinly sliced, 1/3 cup crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper (optional).

How to make it: Heat the oil and shallots over medium heat, stirring, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes until light gold. Put the pepper flakes, sesame, sugar, salt and Sichuan pepper in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot oil and crispy bits over. Stir in the soy sauce, cool, and jar it.

Chili crisp recipes for breakfast: the egg and cheese bagel

One TikTok video of an egg and chili crisp bagel by @emilyontoast pulled in about 6 million views, and it is easy to see why. Soft scrambled eggs, melty cheese and a spicy crunchy drizzle on a toasted bagel make the best breakfast sandwich ever. Everything bagel or plain? You decide.

You will need: 1 bagel, 2 eggs, 1 slice cheddar or American cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp, sliced scallions, salt.

How to make it: Toast the bagel. Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat, add the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and stir gently until softly set. Lay the cheese over the eggs to melt. Pile onto the bagel, spoon chili crisp on top and add scallions.

Chili crisp fried eggs with lacy edges

Frying eggs right in chili crisp oil gives you crispy, lacy, spicy edges and a soft runny yolk. It is a two minute upgrade that makes plain fried eggs feel exciting again. Serve over rice, on toast or on top of leftover noodles. This might be the easiest of all our chili crisp recipes.

You will need: 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon chili crisp (with plenty of oil), salt, sliced scallions, steamed rice or toast.

How to make it: Heat the chili crisp in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until it sizzles. Crack in the eggs and cook 2 to 3 minutes, spooning a little hot oil over the whites, until the edges are crispy and the yolks are still soft. Season with salt and top with scallions.

Chili crisp recipes in 10 minutes: spicy noodles

When you are hungry and tired, these noodles save the night. The sauce takes one minute to stir together, and it clings to every strand. Add a fried egg, leftover chicken or some quick greens to make it a full meal. Would you eat these hot or cold?

You will need: 8 ounces noodles (ramen, udon or spaghetti), 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 scallions sliced, sesame seeds.

How to make it: Cook the noodles according to the package and drain, saving a splash of water. Stir the chili crisp, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and sesame oil in a big bowl. Toss in the hot noodles with a little cooking water until glossy. Top with scallions and sesame seeds.

Smashed cucumber salad with a spicy kick

Smashing cucumbers creates rough edges that soak up dressing like a sponge. With garlic, vinegar and a spoon of chili crisp, this cool salad has a fun spicy kick. It is the perfect side for rich dishes, grilled meat or a bowl of rice.

You will need: 2 English cucumbers, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 clove garlic grated, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp, sesame seeds.

How to make it: Lay the cucumbers on a board and gently smash with the side of a knife or a rolling pin. Cut into bite size pieces, toss with salt and let drain 15 minutes. Mix the garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and chili crisp. Toss with the cucumbers and top with sesame seeds.

Spicy garlic pull apart bread

Chili crisp loaves and swirl breads have racked up millions of views online, and this shortcut version is party ready in 30 minutes. Garlic butter and chili crisp go between soft pieces of dough, and the top bakes golden and crunchy. Pull, dip and repeat.

You will need: 1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough, 4 tablespoons butter melted, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 clove garlic grated, 2 scallions sliced, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a loaf pan. Mix the butter, chili crisp and garlic. Cut each biscuit into quarters and toss with the butter mix, scallions and cheese. Pile into the pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

A cozy 15 minute dumpling soup

Frozen dumplings plus a spicy, savory broth make a cozy dinner in 15 minutes. The chili crisp floats on top in little red pools and adds crunch to every spoonful. Add a handful of spinach or bok choy for color. Pork, chicken or veggie dumplings: which is your favorite?

You will need: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 16 frozen dumplings, 2 cups baby spinach or chopped bok choy, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 2 scallions sliced.

How to make it: Bring the broth, soy sauce and ginger to a simmer. Add the frozen dumplings and cook according to the package, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the greens until wilted. Ladle into bowls and top each with chili crisp and scallions.

Chili crisp recipes for sides: crispy roasted potatoes

Roasted potatoes are already a crowd pleaser, but tossing them in chili crisp right out of the oven takes them to another level. The hot potatoes soak up the oil, and the crunchy garlic bits stick to every edge. Serve them with eggs, steak or a simple roast chicken.

You will need: 2 pounds baby potatoes halved, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt and spread cut side down on a sheet pan. Roast 30 to 35 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Toss right away with the chili crisp and herbs and serve hot.

Spicy mac and cheese with a crunch

Creamy mac and cheese loves a little heat, and chili crisp adds both spice and crunch. Stir some into the sauce and spoon more on top so every bite has a crispy, garlicky surprise. This is grown up comfort food that kids may sneak too, if they can handle the heat.

You will need: 8 ounces elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, salt, 2 tablespoons chili crisp plus more to top.

How to make it: Cook the pasta and drain. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until thick. Stir in the cheese until smooth and season with salt. Fold in the pasta and 2 tablespoons chili crisp. Serve with more chili crisp on top.

Chili crisp recipes for pizza night

Hot honey had its moment on pizza, and chili crisp is the next big thing. Drizzle it over a cheese or pepperoni pizza right out of the oven and you get savory heat and crunchy garlic bits on every slice. Quick poll: A) Hot honey B) Chili crisp C) Both on the same pizza.

You will need: 1 pound pizza dough, 1/2 cup pizza sauce, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices (optional), 2 tablespoons chili crisp, fresh basil.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 475 degrees F with a pan or stone inside. Stretch the dough, spread with sauce, and top with cheese and pepperoni. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until bubbly and browned. Drizzle with chili crisp and scatter basil before slicing.

Chili crisp recipes for dinner: glazed salmon bowls

A sweet and spicy glaze of chili crisp, honey and soy sauce turns salmon sticky and caramelized in just 12 minutes in the oven. Serve it over rice with cucumbers and avocado for an easy bowl that tastes like takeout. It is one of the best chili crisp recipes for a fast weeknight dinner.

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, cooked rice, sliced cucumber, avocado, scallions.

How to make it: Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mix the chili crisp, honey and soy sauce. Place the salmon on a lined pan, season lightly with salt and brush with the glaze. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until it flakes easily. Serve over rice with cucumber, avocado and scallions.

Leftover fried rice with a spicy crunch

Leftover rice plus chili crisp is a match made in heaven. The oil coats every grain and the crunchy bits toast in the hot pan. Add eggs, frozen peas and anything left in your fridge. This is the kind of fridge clean out dinner you will want to make on purpose.

You will need: 3 cups cold cooked rice, 2 eggs beaten, 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, 2 tablespoons chili crisp, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 3 scallions sliced, 1 tablespoon oil.

How to make it: Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Scramble the eggs quickly and push to the side. Add the peas and carrots for 2 minutes, then the rice, breaking up clumps. Stir in the chili crisp and soy sauce and cook 3 minutes until hot and a little crispy. Top with scallions.

Chili crisp avocado toast

Creamy avocado and spicy crunch is a combo that just works. Mash the avocado with lime and salt, spread it on thick toast, then finish with chili crisp and a sprinkle of flaky salt. If you love avocado as much as we do, try these avocado recipes that go way beyond toast too.

You will need: 2 slices sourdough, 1 ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon lime juice, salt, 2 teaspoons chili crisp, cherry tomatoes halved, flaky salt.

How to make it: Toast the bread until golden and crisp. Mash the avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Spread thickly on the toast. Top with tomatoes, spoon over the chili crisp, and finish with flaky salt.

The spicy grilled cheese you will crave

A thin layer of chili crisp inside a grilled cheese adds a little heat that melts right into the cheese. Crispy, buttery bread, gooey cheese and a spicy kick make this a lunchtime favorite. Would you dip it in tomato soup or eat it plain?

You will need: 2 slices sandwich bread, 1 tablespoon butter softened, 2 slices cheddar, 1 slice mozzarella, 1 to 2 teaspoons chili crisp.

How to make it: Butter the outside of both slices of bread. Put one slice butter side down in a skillet over medium low heat. Add the cheeses and spoon chili crisp over them. Top with the other slice, butter side up. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and melted.

Chili crisp popcorn for movie night

Melt butter with a spoon of chili crisp and toss it with hot popcorn. A little goes a long way, so start light and add more to taste. The crunchy garlic bits cling to the popcorn and make movie night feel brand new. Pass the bowl, if you can.

You will need: 1/2 cup popcorn kernels, 2 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon chili crisp, salt.

How to make it: Pop the kernels in the oil in a covered pot over medium high heat, shaking often, until popping slows. Melt the butter with the chili crisp. Drizzle over the popcorn, toss well, and season with salt.

Sweet, salty and spicy vanilla ice cream

It sounds wild, but sweet, creamy vanilla with salty, crunchy chili crisp is a combo many chili crisp fans swear by. A tiny drizzle and a pinch of flaky salt give you sweet, salty and spicy all at once. Would you try it? A) Yes, right now B) Maybe C) Absolutely not. Which of these chili crisp recipes will you try first?

You will need: 2 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1/2 teaspoon chili crisp (mostly crunchy bits, little oil), a pinch of flaky salt, a few crushed roasted peanuts.

How to make it: Scoop the ice cream into a bowl. Spoon a small amount of chili crisp on top, using more of the crunchy bits than oil. Add a pinch of flaky salt and the crushed peanuts. Eat right away.