Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jalapeño Cheese Bread is the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy. The bread is light and airy, yet it’s packed with bold flavors. The melted cheese gives the bread a deliciously rich texture, while the jalapeños add a pop of heat without overwhelming the flavor. Whether you serve it alongside a hearty soup, make a sandwich, or enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make and perfect for adding a little extra zing to your meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)

  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

  • 1 tbsp coarse salt (for topping, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast:

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to combine.

  2. Mix in ¾ cup of the shredded cheese and the chopped jalapeños. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

  2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.

  2. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet or into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.

  3. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

5. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough rises.

6. Bake the Bread:

  1. (Optional) For a shiny finish, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg wash.

  2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the dough, along with a little coarse salt for added flavor.

  3. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  4. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8-10

  • Prep time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)

  • Cook time: 30-35 minutes

  • Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising time)

Variations

  • Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bread: For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dough.

  • Herb Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the dough for an herby twist.

  • Cheese Variation: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella, for varying flavors and textures.

  • Garlic Jalapeño Cheese Bread: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the dough for an extra savory kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Jalapeño Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread will be at its freshest on the first day but will still taste great on day 2.

  • Freezing: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will stay good for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

  • Reheating: To reheat slices, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or toast individual slices for a crispy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a bread machine to make this dough?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your machine’s instructions, and follow the machine’s dough cycle.

2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cheddar for other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even spicy pepper jack for more heat.

3. How can I adjust the heat level in the bread?

To make the bread milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before adding them to the dough. For a spicier version, leave the seeds in or add extra jalapeños.

4. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. The next day, let the dough come to room temperature, shape it, and proceed with the second rise and baking.

5. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature—it should be around 190°F (88°C).

6. Can I add other vegetables to the dough?

Yes, you can add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even corn kernels for more flavor and texture. Be sure to drain any excess moisture from vegetables to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

7. Can I make mini jalapeño cheese breads?

Yes, you can divide the dough into smaller portions to create individual mini loaves or rolls. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. What’s the best way to slice the bread?

Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the interior sets properly. Use a serrated knife to make even slices without crushing the soft bread.

9. Can I make this bread without jalapeños?

Yes, you can make a simple cheese bread by omitting the jalapeños. The dough will still be flavorful thanks to the cheese.

10. How do I keep the crust from getting too hard?

To prevent the crust from becoming too hard, don’t overbake the bread. Once the top is golden brown, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Cheese Bread is a flavorful, versatile bread that’s perfect for adding some spice to your meals. Whether served as a side dish, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own with a little butter, this bread is sure to become a hit. The combination of cheese and jalapeños creates a satisfying, savory flavor, and the bread’s soft, airy interior with a slightly crispy crust adds a wonderful texture. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be able to bake up a loaf of this irresistible Jalapeño Cheese Bread.


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Jalapeño Cheese Bread

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Jalapeño Cheese Bread is a savory, flavorful loaf that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños. With a soft, fluffy interior and a slightly crispy crust, this bread is perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or grilled meats. The gooey cheese and spicy jalapeños make every bite a delicious, irresistible experience.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)

  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

  • 1 tbsp coarse salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  • Activate the Yeast:

    • In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  • Prepare the Dough:

    • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring to combine.

    • Mix in ¾ cup of shredded cheese and chopped jalapeños. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  • Let the Dough Rise:

    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  • Shape the Dough:

    • Punch the dough down and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place it on a greased baking sheet or in a 9-inch round cake pan. Let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

  • Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  • Bake the Bread:

    • (Optional) Brush with an egg wash for a shiny finish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and coarse salt on top.

    • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped.

  • Cool and Serve:

    • Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or mix in your favorite herbs.

  • Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a varied flavor.

  • For a garlic twist, add minced garlic to the dough.

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