Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

This Dutch oven bread is loaded with spicy jalapeno, cheddar cheese and seasonings with a thick crust and soft interior, easy to make and ready to bake!

Dutch Oven Bread with Jalapeno and Cheddar Cheese - Easy to Make!

We're making a loaf of cheesy, spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen, my friends. You are definitely going to love this recipe.

I first encountered this exact bread at a fair in Madison, Wisconsin, and was instantly hooked on it. Talk about delicious.

It's thick, golden crust offers a wonderful crunch, but inside it's soft and filled with the flavors of cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeno peppers.

I'm not much of a baker, but this bread is very easy to make because of two main factors: Instant Yeast and a Dutch Oven.

Instant yeast takes all the hard work out of waiting and rising dough, and the Dutch oven creates the perfect environment for bread baking, while also keeping the shape of bread, allowing it to rise perfectly.

If you've ever had trouble making bread before, Dutch oven bread will make it so much easier for you, and it's also easy to customize once you get the hang of it.

This recipe focuses on the popular combination of jalapeno and cheddar, which I sincerely love, and I think you will, too.

Let's talk about how to make Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread, shall we?

Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Ingredients

• Instant Yeast. Instant yeast makes this recipe very easy, without any fuss. Mixed with warm water and salt.
• Bread Flour. Bread flour has more protein content than all purpose flour, which is better for baking. All purpose flour usually gives a wetter dough.
• Cheddar Cheese. Shred it yourself for best results.
• Jalapeno Peppers. Offers a nice level of heat and flavor.
• Seasonings. Use garlic powder, paprika, dried basil, chili flakes, and a touch of salt.
• Olive Oil. To help develop a nice brown crust.

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread - the Recipe Method

Dissolve the Yeast. In a large bowl, stir the instant yeast and salt into the warm water until dissolved.

Form the Dough. Add the bread flour, chopped jalapeno peppers, 2.5 cups of cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Stir together until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too sticky, mix in up to 1/2 cup extra bread flour.

First Rest. Fold the dough from the outer edges into the center several times, rotating the bowl as you go. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough rises.

Second Rest. Fold the dough again from the outer edges into the center, then cover and rest another 30 minutes to 1 hour. Rise time can vary, but this is usually enough time for me.

Warm the Dutch Oven. While the dough is resting, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Set the Dutch oven with the lid into the hot oven and heat for 30 minutes.

Prep the Dough for Baking. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper dusted with flour and form into a round loaf. I use a rubber spatula. Score the top of the bread with a sharp knife, then brush the top of the loaf with olive oil.

Top with Cheese and Jalapenos. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the jalapeno slices.

First Bake. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and remove the lid. Lift the parchment paper and dough and place into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the hot lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Second Bake. Remove the lid and bake for 20 minutes or longer, until a golden brown crust develops.

Serve the Cheddar Jalapeno Bread. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. 1 hour is preferred.

Boom! Done! Your Dutch oven bread is ready to serve. It's got lots of wonderful cheddar cheese flavor, nice and spicy from the jalapenos and the spices. I love this bread!

Storage

Store at room temperature in a sealed container or covered in plastic wrap and use within 2 days. It will begin to go stale after this.

You can also freeze it for 2-3 months.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy the jalapeno cheddar bread. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

• Jalapeno Cornbread
• Skillet Cornbread
• Cornbread Dressing
• Jalapeno Cheddar Chicken Wings
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Crawfish Bread

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.