Introduction

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful twist on classic homemade bread, bursting with spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked in a dutch oven, it develops a crisp crust and tender interior that’s perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own.

A round loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust sits on a wooden board lined with brown paper, partially sliced into five pieces. The bread's inside is light yellow with a soft, airy texture and small bits of cheese visible within the slices. The crust looks crispy and slightly cracked. Around the board, there are scattered orange cheese shreds on a white marbled surface, a small white bowl on a wooden coaster with a checkered yellow and white cloth nearby, and a green potted plant toward the top right. A brown spatula with a wooden handle also sits on the surface. 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 warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt using a sturdy spatula. Mix until all the flour is incorporated and a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until the dough doubles in size.
Step 3: Remove the plastic wrap and add the chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar, reserving a little cheese for topping. Dump the dough onto a floured surface.
Step 4: Knead the dough using stretching and folding motions until the cheese and jalapenos are fully incorporated and the dough forms a smooth ball.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a long piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with your dutch oven placed on the top rack, lid on.
Step 7: When ready, remove the towel and score the dough with a razor blade by making a curved line on one side. This helps the bread breathe during baking.
Step 8: Carefully transfer the parchment with the dough into the hot dutch oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top if desired, then cover with the lid.
Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.
Step 10: Carefully remove the dutch oven from the oven. Using the ends of the parchment, lift the bread onto a wire rack to cool.
Step 11: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the texture sets properly.

Tips & Variations

For a milder bread, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before chopping to reduce heat.
Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.
Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Use a serrated bread knife to slice the bread without crushing its soft crumb.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A golden-brown round loaf of bread with a crispy, textured crust sits in a white pot lined with crinkled light brown parchment paper that wraps around the sides. The bread has a slightly uneven surface with hints of melted cheese baked into the top layer. The pot rests on a white marbled surface scattered lightly with shredded orange cheese, with a white metal cooling rack peeking in from the bottom left. To the top right is a brown spatula, and a small green plant in a beige pot adds a touch of color in the corner. A yellow and white checkered cloth is partly visible at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos or canned jalapenos?

Fresh jalapenos are best for this recipe as they provide crisp texture and bright heat. If using canned, drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.

Do I need a dutch oven to bake this bread?

While a dutch oven helps create a steamy environment for a crisp crust, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone or heavy pan covered with a large metal bowl. Just adjust baking times as needed.