Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are dried and crushed chili peppers commonly used to add spice and heat to various dishes. They originate from a variety of chili peppers, such as cayenne, ancho, or Thai bird's eye chilies, which gives the flakes a vibrant red to deep burgundy color. Red pepper flakes are a staple ingredient in numerous cuisines worldwide, including Italian, Mexican, and Asian, and are frequently found in shakers at pizzerias.
Home cooks and consumers typically use red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of pizza, pasta, soups, stews, and salads. In addition, they are also found in certain spice blends, like Italian seasoning, and are a popular ingredient in oil infusions to create spicy oils for dipping or drizzling. They add not only heat but also a subtle, fruity dimension to dishes, making them a versatile and easily accessible addition to any kitchen pantry.