Are you ready to bring some heat to your baking? This spicy jalapeño and cheddar bread is the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and fiery flavor. It’s not just a side for soups and salads; it’s a standout on its own! This bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with zesty jalapeños, making every bite an exciting experience.
Imagine pulling a freshly baked loaf from the oven, the aroma of melted cheddar and roasted jalapeños filling your kitchen. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests. Serve it warm with butter, or use it for sandwiches that pack a punch.
This isn’t just another bread recipe—it’s a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this jalapeño and cheddar bread is sure to be a hit.
The Allure of Jalapeño and Cheddar Bread
Picture a warm, inviting kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma, as a freshly baked loaf of jalapeño and cheddar bread cools on the counter. The golden-brown crust glistens, inviting you to take a slice, while the vibrant green jalapeños and gooey melted cheddar peek through the cracks of the soft interior.
This delightful bread is not just a side dish; it stands proud as a star of any meal. With a perfect balance of spice from the jalapeños and richness from the cheddar, every bite delivers a satisfying flavor experience. Whether served warm with butter or used to create hearty sandwiches, this bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients That Shine
Crafting this jalapeño and cheddar bread starts with quality ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the structure, while active dry yeast brings it to life by allowing it to rise beautifully.
The centerpiece, of course, is the sharp cheddar cheese, which adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the zesty kick of fresh jalapeños. Choosing the right jalapeños can make a difference: removing the seeds allows for milder flavor, making the bread accessible for various palates.
Transforming Simple Ingredients
The process of creating this scrumptious bread is straightforward, yet the results are extraordinary. Mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast sets the stage for a fluffy texture, as it activates the yeast, creating the perfect dough.
Incorporating cheddar and jalapeños into this mixture not only adds flavor but creates an enticing visual as well. Each fold introduces pockets of cheesy goodness and spicy bites throughout the loaf, ensuring every slice is a pleasant surprise.
The Art of Kneading
Kneading is a crucial step in bread-making, transforming a sticky dough into a smooth, elastic masterpiece. As you work the dough, it develops strength and structure, resulting in a satisfying chew when baked.
After kneading for about 5-7 minutes, the dough is ready to rise. Placing it in a warm space allows it to double in size, creating the airy texture that makes this bread so enjoyable.
Shaping the Loaf
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf. This step is where the magic begins, as you gently punch down the dough and form it into a beautiful shape that will become the centerpiece of your table.
After a brief second rise, the dough is ready for the oven. The anticipation builds as the kitchen fills with the smell of baking bread, hinting at the deliciousness to come.
A Bread Worth Savoring
As the loaf bakes to a golden perfection, you may find yourself eagerly awaiting the moment you can slice into the tender interior. Each slice reveals a delightful jumble of melted cheese and jalapeños, promising a burst of flavor with every bite.
Serving this jalapeño and cheddar bread warm, perhaps with a pat of butter, elevates it to another level. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal, this bread certainly brings joy to any gathering, making it a treasured recipe in any kitchen.
The Perfect Jalapeño and Cheddar Bread
This jalapeño and cheddar bread is a delightful treat, blending the richness of cheddar cheese with the bold spice of jalapeños. The result is a soft, warm bread that has a crispy crust and a kick of flavor, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños until evenly distributed.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: After rising, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g