Introduction

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful twist on classic homemade bread, combining the spicy kick of jalapenos with the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese. Baked in a Dutch oven, it has a perfectly crisp crust and soft, cheesy interior that makes it irresistible for sandwiches or as a snack.

Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

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 the warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt using a sturdy spatula. Mix until all the flour is incorporated and you have a shaggy dough.
Step 2: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: After the dough has risen, remove the plastic wrap and add the chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar (reserve some for topping). Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
Step 4: Knead the dough with stretching and folding motions to fully incorporate the cheese and jalapenos until it forms a smooth ball.
Step 5: Place the dough on a long piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
Step 6: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven inside on the top rack, lid on.
Step 7: Once preheated, remove the towel from the dough and score the top with a razor blade or sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 8: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top if desired, then place the lid back on.
Step 9: Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to crisp and brown the crust.
Step 10: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and lift the bread out using the parchment paper. Place the bread on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to ensure the texture sets nicely.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your preferred spice level, or substitute with pickled jalapenos for a tangier flavor.
Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
For extra crispy crust, bake a few minutes longer uncovered, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of chopped ones?

Yes, fresh jalapenos are ideal. Just be sure to dice them finely to distribute the heat evenly throughout the dough.

What type of Dutch oven works best for this recipe?

A heavy cast iron Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is best to retain heat and steam during baking, which helps develop the bread’s crust and texture.

Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 149 reviews

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a deliciously crusty and flavorful homemade bread featuring spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked in a Dutch oven to achieve a perfect golden crust with a soft, cheesy interior, this bread is ideal for sandwich making or serving alongside soups and salads.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 servings) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour (plus more for working the dough)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

1 1/3 cups warm water

Add-ins

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped jalapeno (see notes)

Instructions

Mix the dough. In a large bowl, combine warm water, flour, yeast, sugar, and salt using a sturdy spatula. Mix until all flour is incorporated and the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
First rise. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Add jalapenos and cheese. Remove the plastic wrap once doubled, then add chopped jalapenos and most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving some cheese for topping. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
Knead the dough. Using stretching and folding motions, knead the dough thoroughly to incorporate the jalapenos and cheese, until it forms a smooth ball.
Second rise. Transfer the dough to a long piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven and Dutch oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), placing the Dutch oven with its lid on the top rack to heat up.
Score the dough. Remove the towel and score the dough surface with a razor blade or sharp knife, typically with a curved line to allow steam release during baking.
Bake with lid on. Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the heated Dutch oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top if desired, replace the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove lid to brown. After 30 minutes, remove the Dutch oven lid and continue baking the bread uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the loaf is golden and crispy.
Cool the bread. Take the Dutch oven out of the oven, use the parchment paper to lift the bread onto a wire rack, and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Adjust the amount of jalapenos to your preferred spice level or substitute with milder peppers for less heat.
Cheddar cheese can be sharp or mild based on your taste preference.
Make sure the water temperature is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
Cooling the bread completely helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier without squashing.

Keywords: Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Dutch Oven Bread, Homemade Bread, Spicy Bread, Cheesy Bread