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Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 servings) 1x

Description

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful, homemade artisan loaf featuring spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked in a Dutch oven for a crispy, golden crust and tender crumb, this bread is perfect for spice lovers seeking a cheesy twist on classic bread. The simple ingredients and no-knead technique make it an accessible and satisfying baking project.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Dough

  • 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

Filling & Topping

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt with a sturdy spatula until you get a shaggy dough and all the flour is incorporated.
  2. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
  3. Add Jalapenos and Cheese: Remove the plastic wrap and add the chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a little cheese for the topping). Dump the dough onto a floured surface.
  4. Knead Incorporating Mix-ins: Using stretching and folding motions, knead the dough to fully incorporate the jalapeno and cheese until you have a smooth ball of dough.
  5. Second Rise: Transfer the dough onto a long piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let it rise again for about 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place your Dutch oven with the lid on the top rack to heat up.
  7. Score the Dough: After the second rise, remove the towel and use a razor blade to score the dough with a curved line to allow steam to escape during baking.
  8. Transfer to Dutch Oven: Carefully place the parchment paper with the dough into the hot Dutch oven, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top, and cover with the lid.
  9. Bake Covered: Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on to develop a crust and let the bread rise fully.
  10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid carefully and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to brown and crisp the crust.
  11. Cool: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and transfer the bread on the parchment to a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno depending on your preferred spice level; deseed jalapenos for milder heat.
  • Using a Dutch oven creates steam that helps develop the crust and rise; if unavailable, use a heavy covered ovenproof pot.
  • Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeno cheddar bread, dutch oven bread, spicy cheddar bread, homemade artisan bread, easy bread recipe, no-knead bread, baking bread with cheese and jalapeno

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Find it online: https://aromaofgrandma.com/jalapeno-cheddar-dutch-oven-bread-recipe/