Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a bread that’s bursting with bold flavors and perfect textural contrasts, you’re in for a treat with this Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe. Imagine the gentle heat of fresh jalapenos mingling with the rich, melty sharpness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crusty, golden loaf baked right in a Dutch oven. This bread is not just delicious but also a fun and rewarding project, bringing that bakery charm straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring it on a cozy night in, this recipe promises a loaf that’s equal parts spicy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect dough texture to adding a punch of heat and cheesy goodness. You’ll see how these essentials work together beautifully to bring out the character and charm of this bread.

• Bread flour (3 1/2 cups): Provides a sturdy structure and chewy texture that this loaf needs to hold the cheese and jalapenos well.
• Kosher salt (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and spiciness of the jalapenos.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups + 1/3 to 1/2 cup for topping): Sharp and melty, adding depth and that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
• Large jalapeno (1, diced + 10 round slices for topping): Brings fresh heat and a crunchy bite to every slice.
• Warm water (2 cups): Activates the yeast and ensures the dough is both moist and easy to work with.
• Instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp): The leavening hero that makes this bread rise to perfect airiness.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the bread flour, kosher salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapenos in a medium mixing bowl. Mixing these ingredients first ensures that each bite of bread will have evenly distributed bursts of cheese and jalapeno flavor.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, add warm water – just warm like baby’s bath water – and sprinkle the instant yeast in. Let it sit for a moment. This simple warming step sets the stage for the yeast to spring to life and work its magic through your dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour your flour, cheese, and jalapeno mixture into the yeast-infused water. Use a rubber spatula to stir until no flour streaks remain. This is a wet, high hydration dough, so don’t worry if it feels looser than your usual bread dough – that’s exactly how it should be!

Step 4: First Fold and Rise

Using your spatula, fold the dough from the outside towards the center about 8 to 10 times, turning the bowl slightly each time. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for one hour. This first rise lets those tiny yeast bubbles start forming that beautiful airy texture.

Step 5: Second Fold and Rise

After the hour, fold the dough again 8 to 10 times just like before, then cover and let it rise in the same warm spot for another hour. These folds help develop the gluten network, leading to a better crumb and structure.

Step 6: Preheat the Dutch Oven

Halfway through the second rise, place your Dutch oven with the lid on in the oven and preheat to 450°F for a full 30 minutes. Preheating your Dutch oven ensures a super hot environment that mimics bakery ovens, giving you that incredible crust.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a surface and your hands, then turn the dough out onto it. Flip it over and brush off excess flour. Fold the corners of the dough inward about 6 to 8 times until you form a rough ball. Flip it over onto a parchment paper sheet that can fit inside your Dutch oven with some overhang.

Step 8: Score and Top

Using a sharp knife, score the dough — I love a classic “X” — then lightly spray or brush with oil, sprinkle the reserved 1/3 to 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, and arrange the round jalapeno slices on top. These toppings bake into a stunning, flavorful crust.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven using oven mitts, remove the lid, and transfer the dough and parchment into it. Cover, return to the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. Then take off the lid and bake for another 20 minutes, allowing the crust to crisp and brown beautifully.

Step 10: Cool Before Slicing

Slide the bread out of the Dutch oven with the parchment paper onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely for 1 to 2 hours before slicing. This cooling step is key to setting the crumb and ensuring the perfect texture in every slice.

How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top adds a lovely burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the spicy jalapeno notes. A drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the crust’s flavor when serving.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside hearty soups, like a creamy tomato bisque or a rich chili, making for a cozy and comforting meal. It’s also fantastic paired with fresh garden salads to balance the spicy kick with crisp, refreshing greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe sliced thick with a spread of butter and a drizzle of honey for an exciting sweet-and-spicy combo. Or turn it into a crowd-pleasing sandwich base by layering with turkey, avocado, and smoky mayo for lunch or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread in a paper bag first to let it breathe, then place inside a loosely closed plastic bag or bread box at room temperature. This keeps the crust crisp and the inside soft for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Slice it beforehand and store in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw slices as needed for quick snacks or meals without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked feel, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This crisps the crust while warming the cheesy, spicy interior perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the bread may have a slightly less chewy texture and a softer crust. Bread flour’s higher protein content helps develop more gluten, which is ideal for this recipe.

How spicy is the bread with one jalapeno?

The heat level is moderate and balanced by the sharp cheddar cheese. If you want it milder, remove the seeds from the jalapeno; for more kick, add an extra jalapeno or pepper more slices on top.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

While a Dutch oven gives the best crust by trapping steam, you can bake on a preheated baking stone or sheet, and place a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam. Results might vary slightly, but it’s still delicious!

What’s the best way to dice the jalapeno evenly?

Remove the stem, slice the jalapeno in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to scoop out seeds if desired. Then slice thinly and dice evenly to ensure pieces distribute well throughout the dough.

Why is the dough supposed to be wet and loose?

This high hydration dough is key for an open crumb and tender interior. It will feel loose and sticky but folding it during rising helps build strength. Don’t try to add more flour; embrace the stickiness!

Final Thoughts

You absolutely must try this Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe the next time you want bread that’s anything but ordinary. The marriage of spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar creates a loaf that’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress. Once you experience that crunchy crust giving way to a cheesy, slightly spicy crumb, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your Dutch oven, and let’s bake some delicious memories!

Print