Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for a loaf that’s bursting with flavor, a little bit bold, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than this Jalapeno Cheddar Bread. Every bite delivers a dreamy contrast: airy yet chewy crumb, a crisp golden crust, creamy pockets of sharp Cheddar, and the gentle heat of jalapenos that won’t overpower but will intrigue your taste buds. Whether you serve it freshly sliced with a pat of butter, pile it high for a sandwich, or eat it plain, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to for savory, cheesy bread.

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Jalapeno Cheddar Bread starts with simple staple ingredients, each chosen for the part it plays—fluffy texture, crackling crust, rich cheese pockets, and just the right spark of heat. Here’s what you’ll need to make it shine:

  • Warm Water: Provides the moisture necessary to activate the yeast and create a tender crumb in this hearty loaf.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The leavening that lifts your bread, ensuring a beautiful rise and a light texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, giving structure while allowing for an irresistibly chewy bite.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors of the cheese and jalapenos and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
  • Jalapeño Peppers: Bring a gentle, fresh brightness and a hint of heat that balances perfectly with the mellow cheese.
  • Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Cubed): Melts into lovely pockets throughout the bread, guaranteeing cheesy goodness in every slice.
  • Cornmeal: Dusting with cornmeal adds a rustic crunch and prevents sticking when baking on parchment.
  • Shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking, it forms a bubbling, golden crown that draws everyone to the table.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

First things first: In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast, stirring them together. The water should feel warm to the touch (not hot)—think cozy bathwater for the yeast. Set this mixture aside for about five minutes while the yeast works its foamy, magical transformation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl, and combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir them well so the salt is evenly distributed. That way, every bite of your Jalapeno Cheddar Bread will be perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Pour the activated yeast mixture into your flour bowl. Using a sturdy wooden spoon (or your hands if you feel bold), stir until everything is combined into a slightly sticky dough. If the dough insists on clinging to the bowl, sprinkle in 2-3 tablespoons more flour. Too dry? A splash of water will bring it together.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover up your bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise and double in size, about one and a half to two hours—plenty of time for it to develop delicious depth.

Step 5: First Fold

Turn your dough out onto a generously floured surface. Gently pat it into a disc, then fold it in thirds like a letter. Rotate it 90 degrees and fold again. This step builds the structure that makes Jalapeno Cheddar Bread so satisfying.

Step 6: Second Rise

Return the dough to the bowl, cover it up, and let it rise a second time, until doubled—another hour or so. This extra rise makes for a tender crumb and helps those flavor notes intensify.

Step 7: Prep the Add-Ins

Press the air from the risen dough. Slice 4-5 rounds from one jalapeno and set aside for topping. Seed and dice the remaining peppers for folding into your bread later. Now, get ready for the cheesiest addition!

Step 8: Add Jalapenos and Cheese

Lay out those diced jalapenos and all your cubed Cheddar cheese onto the dough. Fold the loaf gently several times so the cheese and peppers are evenly distributed—you want a little in every bite, after all!

Step 9: Shape and Final Rise

Dust parchment paper with cornmeal and shape the dough into a ball. Place it seam side down on the prepared parchment, then settle the parchment (and dough) back into your mixing bowl. Cover it up for a 30 to 40 minute final nap while you heat your oven.

Step 10: Preheat and Prepare to Bake

While your dough is resting, preheat your oven to a roaring 450°F with your trusty Dutch oven inside. That hot Dutch oven makes all the difference, creating an artisanal crust.

Step 11: Score and Top the Loaf

With a sharp knife, delicately score the dough—a few slashes in a square pattern about half an inch deep look beautiful and help the loaf expand. Brush lightly with water if the surface is dry. Then, pile on shredded Cheddar and those reserved jalapeno slices for an eye-catching finish.

Step 12: Bake the Bread

Carefully lift the parchment with the shaped dough and place it in the preheated Dutch oven. Pop on the lid and bake for 45 minutes. Take the lid off and let the bread brown for 5-10 more minutes, or until golden and bubbly. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you’re aiming for an internal temp of 200°F—perfect!

Step 13: Cool Before Slicing

This is the hardest part: let your Jalapeno Cheddar Bread cool completely before slicing. This final wait ensures the crumb sets, so every cut is clean, and none of that cheesy, jalapeno-infused goodness escapes.

How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Try finishing slices of Jalapeno Cheddar Bread with a sprinkle of fresh chives, a little extra shredded Cheddar, or even a dollop of whipped salted butter. Thin slices of pickled jalapenos also make a punchy and colorful topping if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This bread begs for a cozy bowl of soup or chili—imagine it dunked into tomato soup or served alongside a hearty stew. It shines as the star of any brunch board, pairs beautifully with salads, or jazzes up a simple plate of eggs and bacon.

Creative Ways to Present

Cube Jalapeno Cheddar Bread for the world’s most flavorful croutons, or toast up slices for (truly epic) sandwiches. For parties, slice it into small, appetizer-sized fingers and serve with a creamy dip—think herby ranch or roasted garlic aioli.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, wrap your Jalapeno Cheddar Bread tightly in plastic or keep it in an airtight container. It’ll stay soft and fresh for about two days at room temperature, or a little longer if refrigerated—just keep it tightly sealed to lock in moisture.

Freezing

To save the bread for a later date, freeze whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then slide into a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months, letting you enjoy a slice of Jalapeno Cheddar Bread whenever you wish.

Reheating

Thaw bread at room temperature or swipe individual slices straight into the toaster. For whole loaves, pop into a 350°F oven (wrapped in foil if you want to avoid crust darkening) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and fragrant.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded Cheddar instead of cubed?

For the absolute best flavor pockets, cubes are preferred because they melt in delicious bursts throughout the Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, but pre-shredded Cheddar will still give you tasty results if that’s what’s on hand.

How spicy is this bread?

Despite the jalapeno’s reputation, this bread delivers gentle warmth rather than fiery heat—removing the seeds and ribs tames the bite significantly, so it’s friendly even for milder palates.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can bake Jalapeno Cheddar Bread on a regular baking sheet—just aim for a heavy, oven-safe dish with high sides and keep an eye on baking time, as it may cook a bit faster without the covered environment.

Can I add other ingredients like bacon or herbs?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon or a handful of fresh herbs like scallions or cilantro would take your Jalapeno Cheddar Bread to the next level. Add them along with the jalapenos and cheese during folding.

Why is it important to let the bread cool before slicing?

Cooling lets the crumb set and stops the cheese from becoming gooey and difficult to cut, meaning you get nice, neat slices and all those gorgeous cheesy swirls stay right where they belong.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Jalapeno Cheddar Bread enough—every batch disappears almost as soon as it comes out of the oven! Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, give this recipe a shot and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a homemade loaf that’s anything but ordinary. Happy baking!

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Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Jalapeno Cheddar Bread is a spicy and cheesy twist on classic homemade bread. With chunks of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeños baked into a hearty loaf, this bread is perfect for serving alongside soups or enjoying on its own.


Ingredients

Scale

    For the Bread:

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 3 large jalapeño peppers
  • 8 oz. Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese (cut into ½” cubes)
  • cornmeal (for dusting parchment paper)
  • ¼ cup shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and stir until dough forms.
  3. Rise Dough: Cover and let rise until doubled in size (~1½-2 hours).
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer dough to floured surface, fold, and let rise again (~1-1½ hours).
  5. Add Jalapeños and Cheese: Fold jalapeños and cheese into dough.
  6. Shape Dough: Shape dough into a ball and let rest.
  7. Prepare Toppings: Slice jalapeños and prepare shredded cheese.
  8. Final Assembly: Score dough, add toppings, and transfer to preheated Dutch oven.
  9. Bake: Bake covered, then uncovered, until golden brown (~55 minutes).
  10. Cool: Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
  • Ensure the Dutch oven is preheated to achieve a crispy crust.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container for freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 60g)
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Homemade Bread, Spicy Bread Recipe, Cheddar Cheese Bread

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