This jalapeño cheese bread is a deliciously spicy and cheesy loaf baked in a Dutch oven. The combination of fresh jalapeños and melted cheese creates a flavorful bread that is perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. The Dutch oven method ensures a perfectly crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Overview of Jalapeño Cheese Bread
This jalapeño cheese bread is a delightful blend of spice and creaminess, making it a standout choice for any meal. The combination of fresh jalapeños and melted cheese creates a unique flavor profile that elevates the humble loaf to something special.
Baked in a Dutch oven, this bread achieves a perfect balance of a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The method not only enhances the texture but also infuses the bread with warmth and a rustic charm.
Ingredients That Shine
The simplicity of the ingredients used in this recipe is one of its appealing aspects. With just a handful of items, you can create a loaf that impresses. The core components include all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast, forming the base of the dough.
What truly makes this bread shine are the additions of shredded cheese and diced jalapeños. These ingredients bring both flavor and visual appeal, with the cheese melting beautifully and the jalapeños adding a pop of color and heat.
Preparation Steps
To begin, combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This step is crucial for ensuring an even distribution of the yeast and salt throughout the flour.
Next, add warm water to the mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Incorporating the cheese and jalapeños at this stage ensures they are evenly mixed into the dough, which is key for flavor in every bite.
The Rising Process
Once the dough is mixed, it’s time for the first rise. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm area, allowing the dough to double in size. This process typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the ambient temperature.
The rising stage is essential for developing the bread’s texture, leading to a light and airy loaf once baked.
Shaping and Baking
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Let it rest for another 30 minutes while you preheat your Dutch oven. This resting period helps the gluten relax, making it easier to shape.
When ready, carefully place the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover it, and bake. The initial baking time allows the bread to rise further and develop a crust, while the final uncovered baking time gives it that beautiful golden brown color.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. This bread is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil for dipping. The combination of the crispy crust and the soft, cheesy interior makes it a perfect accompaniment to soups or salads.
Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this jalapeño cheese bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its inviting aroma and enticing appearance will have everyone reaching for a slice.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bread Recipe
This bread features a blend of jalapeños and cheese mixed into a simple dough, which is then baked in a preheated Dutch oven for optimal texture. The total time for this recipe is around 2 hours, yielding one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add the shredded cheese and diced jalapeños, mixing until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Dutch Oven: While the dough rests, place your Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Grease the bottom with olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 200kcal per slice
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g