Chili flakes are dried, crushed red chili peppers that add a fiery kick to various dishes. They have a vibrant, spicy flavor with a hint of smokiness, and a coarse, flaky texture that distributes easily in recipes. Widely used in international cuisines such as Italian, Indian, and Mexican cooking, chili flakes commonly enhance the heat and depth of flavor in sauces, pizzas, curries, and spice blends. Historically, chili peppers originated in the Americas and were introduced to the rest of the world through trade, becoming a staple spice in many culinary traditions for their bold heat and flavor.