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
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cheese, and jalapenos.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast, then add the flour mixture to the bowl.
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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.
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After the first rise, fold the dough again, then cover and let it rise for another hour.
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Preheat your oven to 450°F with your Dutch oven inside.
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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.
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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.
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Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough to the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
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After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20 minutes to allow the bread to brown and crisp.
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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
