This jalapeño cheddar bread is a flavorful and spicy addition to your bread repertoire. Made in a bread machine, it combines the sharpness of cheddar cheese with the heat of jalapeños for a deliciously unique loaf.
The recipe is simple and perfect for beginners, requiring minimal hands-on time. Enjoy it fresh out of the machine or toasted for an extra crunch.
Overview of Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
This jalapeño cheddar bread is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a spicy kick to your table. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and zesty jalapeños creates a unique taste that elevates any meal.
Perfect for sandwiches or enjoyed on its own, this bread offers a soft and fluffy texture with a crispy crust. Each slice reveals melted cheese and bits of jalapeño, making it a favorite among cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key ingredients in this recipe are simple yet impactful. Warm water activates the yeast, while olive oil adds moisture and richness. The bread flour provides structure, ensuring a perfect rise.
Shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños are the stars of this loaf, contributing both flavor and texture. Optional garlic powder can enhance the overall taste, giving it an extra layer of depth.
Preparation Process
Making jalapeño cheddar bread is straightforward, especially with a bread machine. Start by adding warm water and olive oil to the machine, followed by sugar, flour, and salt. It’s important to keep the salt away from the yeast to ensure proper activation.
After creating a small well in the flour, add the yeast, followed by the cheese and jalapeños. Selecting the right settings on your bread machine is crucial for achieving the desired crust color and texture.
Baking and Cooling
Once the machine is set, it will handle the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking. This hands-off approach allows you to focus on other tasks while your bread bakes to perfection.
After the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan. Allow it to cool on a wire rack, which helps maintain its texture and prevents sogginess.
Serving Suggestions
This jalapeño cheddar bread can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm, sliced with butter, or toast it for a crunchy texture. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.
For an added twist, consider using it for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a side with chili. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning.
Storing Your Bread
To keep your jalapeño cheddar bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for longer storage. Just slice the loaf before freezing for easy access to individual pieces.
When ready to enjoy, simply toast or warm the slices in the oven. This will revive the crispy crust and melty cheese, making it taste freshly baked again.
Easy Jalapeño Cheddar Bread Machine Recipe
This bread features a soft and fluffy texture with bits of jalapeño and melted cheddar cheese throughout. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish and yields one 1.5-pound loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Add the sugar, bread flour, and salt, ensuring the salt does not come into direct contact with the yeast.
- Add Yeast: Make a small well in the flour and add the active dry yeast.
- Add Mix-ins: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and garlic powder (if using) on top of the flour.
- Select Settings: Close the lid and select the basic or white bread setting on your bread machine. Choose the desired crust color (light, medium, or dark).
- Start the Machine: Press start and let the machine do the work. It will mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread.
- Cool and Serve: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm or toasted.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g