This Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with melty cheddar and spicy jalapeños. It’s the perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness, making it a must-try for bread lovers!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Kneading Required: A simple mix-and-wait method makes this effortless.
- Crispy Artisan Crust: The Dutch oven creates a perfect golden crust.
- Cheesy & Spicy Kick: A bold flavor combination in every bite.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or as a side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups) – The base for this soft, airy bread.
- Warm Water (1 ½ cups) – Helps activate the yeast for rising.
- Instant Yeast (2 tsp) – Ensures a good rise without proofing separately.
- Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – Melts beautifully into the bread.
- Jalapeños (2, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat) – Adds the perfect kick.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp, optional) – Enhances the savory depth.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional) – Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Dutch oven with lid
- Parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in the shredded cheddar and sliced jalapeños. Add the warm water, yeast, and honey. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours until it doubles in size and develops air bubbles.
Step 3: Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the Dutch oven inside with the lid on to heat for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place it on parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the parchment with the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
What to Serve with This Bread
- Dipping Sauce: Pair with butter, honey, or olive oil.
- Soups & Stews: Perfect for soaking up broths and sauces.
- Grilled Cheese: Use for an extra cheesy sandwich.
Tips for Perfect Dutch Oven Bread
- Use Fresh Yeast: Expired yeast won’t give you a good rise.
- Control the Spice: For milder bread, remove all jalapeño seeds.
- Crispier Crust: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
- Storage: Wrap in a kitchen towel and store at room temp for up to 3 days.
Can I Make This Bread Without a Dutch Oven?
Yes! Use a baking sheet and place a pan of hot water in the oven for steam. The crust won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a bakery-worthy loaf that’s easy to make at home! The cheesy, spicy, and crusty combo makes it an instant favorite. Try it and let me know how it turns out!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 12-18 hours
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 320mg
Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with melty cheddar and spicy jalapeños. It’s the perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness, making it a must-try for bread lovers!
Hungry for more? Subscribe now and have this recipe sent directly to your inbox—along with exclusive foodie updates!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups) – The base for this soft, airy bread.
- Warm Water (1 ½ cups) – Helps activate the yeast for rising.
- Instant Yeast (2 tsp) – Ensures a good rise without proofing separately.
- Salt (2 tsp) – Enhances the flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – Melts beautifully into the bread.
- Jalapeños (2, thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat) – Adds the perfect kick.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp, optional) – Enhances the savory depth.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional) – Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir in the shredded cheddar and sliced jalapeños. Add the warm water, yeast, and honey. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours until it doubles in size and develops air bubbles.
Step 3: Preheat & Prep
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the Dutch oven inside with the lid on to heat for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Place it on parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the parchment with the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Use Fresh Yeast: Expired yeast won’t give you a good rise.
- Control the Spice: For milder bread, remove all jalapeño seeds.
- Crispier Crust: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
- Storage: Wrap in a kitchen towel and store at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
