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Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful artisan loaf featuring a high hydration dough infused with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapenos. Baked in a preheated Dutch oven, this bread develops a crisp crust and tender crumb, perfect for those who enjoy a cheesy bread with a kick. Ideal for sandwiches or serving alongside soups and stews, this recipe offers a rustic, homemade loaf with a delightful balance of heat and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large jalapeno, diced

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 standard .25oz packet)

Toppings

  • 1/3 – 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 10 round slices jalapeno (or more, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Note About Dough Hydration: This dough is high hydration, meaning it will be looser and less shapeable than traditional bread dough. Follow the instructions carefully for best results.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine bread flour, kosher salt, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapenos. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Activate Yeast and Combine Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add warm water (warm, like a baby’s bath water) and instant yeast. Stir briefly to combine. Pour the flour mixture into the yeast and water, stirring with a rubber spatula until no dry flour remains and the dough is fully incorporated.
  4. First Folding: Use the rubber spatula to fold the dough from the outside edges towards the center, rotating the bowl as you fold, roughly 8-10 times. This helps build dough strength.
  5. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  6. Second Folding: After 1 hour, fold the dough in on itself again 8-10 times using the spatula. Cover again and let rise in a warm place for another hour.
  7. Preheat Dutch Oven: About halfway through the second rise, place your Dutch oven with the lid on into the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Allow the Dutch oven to preheat for a full 30 minutes.
  8. Prepare Dough for Baking: Lightly flour a counter or cutting board and your hands. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface, flip it over, and brush off excess flour.
  9. Shape Dough: Fold the corners of the dough inward toward the center about 6-8 times to form a rough ball. Flip the dough onto a piece of parchment paper larger than your Dutch oven.
  10. Score and Add Toppings: Using a sharp knife, score the dough with an ‘X’ pattern. Lightly spray the dough with cooking spray or brush with oil, then sprinkle the reserved 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and arrange sliced jalapeno rounds on top.
  11. Transfer to Dutch Oven: Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, remove the lid, and transfer the dough with the parchment paper inside the pot. Replace the lid and return to the oven.
  12. Bake Covered: Bake the bread for 30 minutes with the lid on to trap steam which aids crust development.
  13. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes to brown the crust.
  14. Remove Bread: Take the Dutch oven out of the oven, tilt it slightly, and carefully slide the bread and parchment paper out of the pot.
  15. Cool Bread: Remove the parchment paper and allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing. Cooling ensures optimal texture and crumb structure.

Notes

  • This bread features a high hydration dough, which will be stickier and looser than typical bread dough, so handle gently.
  • Preheating the Dutch oven is vital to get a good crust and oven spring.
  • Using parchment paper helps with easy transfer and prevents sticking.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
  • Adjust jalapeno quantity based on your preferred heat level.
  • For less spicy bread, remove seeds from jalapeno before dicing and slicing.

Keywords: jalapeno cheddar bread, Dutch oven bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, cheesy bread, spicy bread, baking bread

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/jalapeno-cheddar-dutch-oven-bread-recipe/