Description
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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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
Instructions
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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American