Description
Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is a warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy homemade bread that combines fresh jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese into a soft, tender loaf perfect for any meal or snack. This easy-to-follow recipe is great for beginners and offers customizable heat levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 to 3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Begin by mixing the warm water and granulated sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped jalapeños. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead until smooth: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth, developing the gluten and ensuring a good crumb texture.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size, creating a light and airy bread.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough to release excess gas, shape it into a loaf or place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow to rise 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool slightly before slicing to retain moisture.
Notes
- Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not skip kneading to develop the dough’s structure and rise.
- Adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your preference, but avoid too much to keep the dough manageable.
- Monitor oven temperature closely to prevent burning or drying out.
- Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg