Description
This Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is the perfect balance of heat, cheese, and fresh bread all in one. With a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, it’s a show-stopping bread that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of jalapeños and cheddar gives it a spicy kick and savory depth.
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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. You should have a sticky dough.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the dough. Mix until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the bread denser.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm area, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Preheat the Dutch Oven
- While the dough rises, place your Dutch oven with the lid on inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Preheating the pot helps create that perfect crust.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf by folding the edges towards the center, then flip it over to form a tight ball. The smoother the top, the better the crust will be.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven (it will be very hot). Sprinkle cornmeal (optional) in the bottom of the Dutch oven to prevent sticking.
- Place the shaped dough into the Dutch oven. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough with an “X” to help it rise evenly as it bakes.
- Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches around 200°F (93°C).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with butter, or enjoy as is!
Notes
- Use Fresh Yeast – Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date and using warm (not hot) water.
- Adjust the Heat – Add more jalapeños for extra heat, or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- Allow it to Cool – Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.
- Add More Cheese – Feel free to mix in additional cheese for an even cheesier loaf.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cuisine: American