Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, especially when it’s warm, cheesy, and a little spicy! This Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is perfect for anyone who loves a flavorful, crusty loaf with a kick. The combination of gooey cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños makes it the ultimate bread for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside soups and stews.

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Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

• Cheese and Spice: The melted cheddar and spicy jalapeños come together for an irresistible flavor combo.
• Crusty Perfection: The Dutch oven creates a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside soft and tender.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and one pot, you’ll have homemade bread in no time.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a snack or a side dish, this bread pairs beautifully with just about anything.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

To make this loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 medium jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting the Dutch oven)
• Optional: Extra cheese for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• Dutch oven (4–6 quart size)
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Clean kitchen towel

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to combine, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Add the Cheddar and Jalapeños
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the dough. It will be sticky, but that’s okay!

Step 4: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little flour at a time, but avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges inward and gently rolling it into a ball.

Step 7: Preheat the Dutch Oven
While the dough is resting, place your Dutch oven with the lid on in the oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C). Let it heat for at least 30 minutes.

Step 8: Final Rise
After the Dutch oven is preheated, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes while the oven heats up. Optionally, sprinkle some cornmeal in the Dutch oven before adding the dough.

Step 9: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it in the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 10: Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake the bread for another 10-15 minutes to get a golden, crispy crust.

Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this bread warm with butter or as a side to soups like creamy tomato or chili.
• Slice and toast it for a delicious sandwich base or enjoy it with your favorite dip.
• Pair it with a light salad for a simple, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder bread, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use fewer peppers.
• Extra Cheese: Add extra cheese on top of the bread during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight for an even more flavorful loaf.
• Add Some Herbs: Consider adding a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to enhance the flavors of the bread.

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces of the bread. Reheat in the oven or toast for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nutty flavor. Just be aware the texture may be denser.

Q2: Can I skip the jalapeños?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a plain cheddar bread, just omit the jalapeños, and you’ll still get a delicious loaf.

Q3: Can I bake this in a regular loaf pan instead of a Dutch oven?
A: Yes, you can bake it in a standard loaf pan. The crust won’t be as crispy, but the bread will still turn out great.

Conclusion: A Spicy, Cheesy Delight!

This Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a treat for cheese lovers and anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals. The soft, flavorful interior combined with the crispy exterior makes this bread an irresistible addition to any meal.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your creations.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy each bite of this cheesy, spicy bread, and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!

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