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Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is a warm, soft loaf that perfectly balances the spicy heat of fresh jalapeños with the rich, tangy flavor of sharp cheddar cheese. Ideal for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone snack, this bread combines simple pantry ingredients with bold flavors and a fluffy texture, making it a versatile and irresistible addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil

Mix-ins

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced and deseeded
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Start by activating the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Once it starts foaming, mix in the flour, salt, and melted butter or oil and knead until you create a smooth, sticky dough.
  2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—this typically takes about an hour.
  3. Add jalapeños and cheddar: Gently knead in the diced jalapeños and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without deflating it too much.
  4. Shape and second rise: Shape the dough into your preferred loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing it to puff up nicely.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  6. Cool and enjoy: Transfer the baked Jalapeño Cheddar Bread to a wire rack and let it cool just enough to slice, allowing the cheese to set slightly while still warm and gooey.

Notes

  • Freshness matters: Use fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust the heat: Remove seeds from jalapeños if you want to control spiciness without losing the pepper’s flavor.
  • Don’t skip kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten for that perfect soft yet chewy texture.
  • Keep the dough warm: Yeast works best in a warm environment—avoid drafty or cold spots during rising.
  • Bake on the middle rack: This ensures even heat distribution and a consistent golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño bread, cheddar bread, spicy bread, cheesy bread, homemade bread, spicy snack