Name: Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose flour (plus more for working the dough); 1 1/3 cups warm water; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup chopped jalapeno (seeded or not depending on spice preference); Additional shredded cheddar cheese for sprinkling on top

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Introduction

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a spicy, cheesy twist on classic homemade bread. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft inside, it’s a flavorful loaf that pairs wonderfully with soups, sandwiches, or just on its own.

A round loaf of bread with a golden brown crust sits on a wooden cutting board lined with brown paper, partially sliced into five thick pieces arranged in a slight fan shape. The bread's interior is light with a soft, airy texture and small bits of yellow cheese visible throughout. Around the board, there are scattered small shreds of orange cheese on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a wooden spatula rests on the surface, and a small white bowl on a round wooden coaster is partially visible in the lower left. A green potted plant is in the upper right, and a yellow and white checkered cloth is draped on the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour (plus more for working the dough)
1 1/3 cups warm water

2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup chopped jalapeno (see notes)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt using a sturdy spatula. Mix until all the flour is incorporated and you have a shaggy dough.
Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 3: Remove the plastic wrap. Add the chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar cheese to the dough, reserving some cheese to sprinkle on top later. Turn the dough onto a floured surface.
Step 4: Knead the dough using stretching and folding motions to fully incorporate the cheese and jalapenos, continuing until you have a smooth ball of dough.
Step 5: Place the dough on a long piece of parchment paper and cover it with a towel. Let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with your Dutch oven on the top rack, covered with the lid.
Step 7: Once preheated, remove the towel from the dough and score the top with a curved line using a razor blade or sharp knife to allow heat and air to escape during baking.
Step 8: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top if desired, then cover with the lid.

Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.
Step 10: Remove the lid carefully and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.
Step 11: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and use the parchment paper to lift the bread onto a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before chopping.
Try substituting pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Use a serrated knife to slice the bread once cooled to maintain the crust.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crusty.

How to Serve

A round loaf of golden-brown bread with a textured, slightly cracked crust sits in the middle of a white pot lined with crumpled light brown parchment paper. The bread has some darker toasted spots and a rustic look. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface sprinkled with a few orange shredded bits. Nearby, there is a white bowl partly visible, a brown spatula, a small green potted plant, and a yellow and white checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled?

Yes, fresh jalapenos work well. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, and remove seeds if you want less heat.

Do I need a Dutch oven to make this bread?

A Dutch oven helps create steam, resulting in a crisp crust, but you can use any heavy, ovenproof pot with a lid. Alternatively, bake on a baking stone and add a pan of water to the oven for steam.