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Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x

Description

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful, crusty artisan-style loaf infused with spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. Made using a simple no-knead method with easy stretch-and-fold kneading, it bakes in a dutch oven to develop a crispy golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior. Perfect for sandwich making or serving alongside soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread 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

Mix-ins

  • 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno (seeds removed for less heat, see notes)

Topping

  • Extra cheddar cheese for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt using a sturdy spatula. Stir until all the flour is moistened and you form a shaggy dough.
  2. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size.
  3. Add Jalapenos and Cheese: Remove the plastic wrap. Add the chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar cheese to the dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
  4. Knead Dough: Use stretching and folding motions to knead the dough, fully incorporating the cheese and jalapenos. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic ball.
  5. Second Rise: Place the dough on a long piece of parchment paper and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise for about 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the dutch oven with its lid on on the top rack during preheat to heat up.
  7. Score Dough: Remove the towel and use a razor blade or sharp knife to score the dough, creating a curved line on one side to allow steam to escape during baking.
  8. Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the preheated dutch oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top if desired. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid carefully and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.
  10. Cool Bread: Carefully lift the bread using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Notes

  • Remove seeds from jalapenos if you prefer milder bread.
  • You can substitute white cheddar with any cheddar variety or a sharp cheese of your choice.
  • Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps maintain the texture and prevents it from becoming gummy.
  • Using parchment paper makes transferring the dough into the hot dutch oven safer and easier.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeno cheddar bread, dutch oven bread, artisan bread recipe, spicy cheese bread, homemade bread

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