This jalapeño sourdough sandwich bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the spicy kick of jalapeños. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
The recipe utilizes a sourdough starter, which adds depth and character to the bread. It’s a straightforward process that yields a deliciously crusty loaf with a soft interior.
Spicy Jalapeño Sourdough Bread
This unique bread combines the traditional tang of sourdough with the vibrant heat of jalapeños. The result is a loaf that not only looks inviting but also offers a delightful flavor profile that can elevate any meal.
The addition of jalapeños brings a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sourdough’s natural acidity. Each slice reveals a soft, airy interior dotted with bits of green, making it visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients for Flavorful Bread
To create this jalapeño sourdough sandwich bread, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The foundation is an active sourdough starter, which contributes to the bread’s characteristic taste and texture.
Along with the starter, warm water, all-purpose flour, and salt are essential. Diced jalapeños, whether fresh or pickled, are what give this bread its signature spice. A touch of sugar can be added for sweetness, balancing the heat.
The Baking Process
The process of making this bread is straightforward, beginning with mixing the dough. Combine the sourdough starter and warm water, then stir in the flour, salt, and optional sugar until a shaggy dough forms.
Next, gently fold in the diced jalapeños, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes will develop its gluten, resulting in a chewy texture.
Rising and Shaping
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which takes around 2 hours.
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. This can be done in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, depending on your preference.
Baking to Perfection
After shaping, the loaf needs another rise of about 1-2 hours until it becomes puffy. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking to ensure it reaches the right temperature.
Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden brown crust. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it’s done.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period allows the crust to set while keeping the interior soft.
Serve slices warm with butter, or use it for sandwiches that highlight the bread’s unique flavor. Whole jalapeños can be included on the side for an extra kick, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Spicy Jalapeño Sourdough Bread
This bread features a chewy crust and a moist crumb, enhanced by the addition of diced jalapeños. The recipe takes about 4 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and makes one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water. Stir in the flour, salt, and sugar (if using) until a shaggy dough forms.
- Incorporate Jalapeños: Gently fold in the diced jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 1-2 hours until puffy.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rise Time: 3-4 hours
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g