Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread combines two crowd-pleasers—cheddar and jalapenos—into a simple, no-knead dough that rises in just two short hours. The Dutch oven ensures a perfectly crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and airy. Plus, it’s a relatively hands-off recipe, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors and ease of preparation makes this bread a must-try!

Ingredients

3 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour can be used, but will result in a denser loaf)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced fresh jalapenos (or jarred if preferred)
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F)
Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cheese, and jalapenos.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then add the flour mixture to the bowl.
Using a rubber spatula, fold the dough in on itself about 8-10 times. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
After the first rise, fold the dough again, then cover and let it rise for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 450°F with your Dutch oven inside.
After the second rise, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rough ball by folding the corners of the dough in toward the center.
Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper and score the top with a sharp knife. Spray the dough with cooking spray and add extra shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos on top.
Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20 minutes to allow the bread to brown and crisp.
Let the bread cool for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1 loaf, approximately 8-10 slices
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours (1 hour for each rise)
Baking time: 50 minutes (30 minutes covered, 20 minutes uncovered)

Variations

Spicy Variations: For an extra kick, increase the number of jalapenos or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dough.
Cheese Options: Try using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a melty, gooey texture.
Other Flavors: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a herby twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
Reheating: To refresh the bread, wrap it in foil and bake it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some of the crispness.

FAQs

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when the crust is golden and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches around 200°F.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour yields a lighter, airier loaf, while all-purpose flour may result in a denser texture.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can bake it on a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crispy without the Dutch oven’s steam.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, this bread freezes well! Slice it before freezing for easier individual portions.

What can I serve this bread with?

This bread is perfect with butter, as a side for soups, or as the base for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! You can try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough needs to rise for about 2 hours, with two separate 1-hour rises.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute active dry yeast, but dissolve it in warm water before adding the flour mixture.

How can I make this bread spicier?

Add more jalapenos, or mix in some chili flakes or a diced hot pepper for more heat.

Can I make this dough the night before?

This recipe is designed to rise in a few hours, so it doesn’t need to be made the night before.

Conclusion

Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a game-changer for bread lovers. With a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, it’s an easy and delicious addition to any meal. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen—just a little time for rising and baking, and you’ll have a fresh loaf ready to enjoy! Whether you’re serving it with butter, making a grilled cheese, or enjoying it alongside a hearty soup, this bread is sure to impress.

Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 2 hours (1 hour for each rise)
Yield: 1 loaf, approximately 8-10 slices
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread offers a perfect balance of spicy jalapenos and sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden crust. The no-knead dough is simple to prepare, requiring just two hours of rising time and minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with butter, making grilled cheese sandwiches, or pairing it with soups, this bread will become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, the Dutch oven ensures a perfectly crisp crust while keeping the inside soft and airy—making it an easy, flavorful choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

3 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour can be used, but will result in a denser loaf)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced fresh jalapenos (or jarred if preferred)

1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F)

Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

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Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cheese, and jalapenos.
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then add the flour mixture to the bowl.
Using a rubber spatula, fold the dough in on itself about 8-10 times. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
After the first rise, fold the dough again, then cover and let it rise for another hour.
Preheat your oven to 450°F with your Dutch oven inside.
After the second rise, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rough ball by folding the corners of the dough in toward the center.
Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper and score the top with a sharp knife. Spray the dough with cooking spray and add extra shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos on top.
Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20 minutes to allow the bread to brown and crisp.
Let the bread cool for 1-2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crisp.

For an extra spicy kick, feel free to add more jalapenos or even some chili flakes to the dough.

You can use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a gooier, melty texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes (30 minutes covered, 20 minutes uncovered)
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American