Are you craving a warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy bread that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This jalapeno cheese bread recipe, made easily in your bread machine, is the answer to your culinary desires. It's a delicious and satisfying side dish, a perfect complement to soups and stews, or simply a delightful snack on its own. This recipe delivers a fantastic homemade taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend baking. Get ready to elevate your bread-making game with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapenos (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the bread machine: Lightly grease your bread machine pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious bread.
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Combine ingredients: Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to the bread machine pan. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This step activates the yeast, which is crucial for a light and airy loaf. If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be inactive, and you should start with fresh yeast.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the olive oil, salt, flour, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapenos, and green onions (if using) to the bread machine pan.
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Select the dough cycle: Select the dough cycle on your bread machine. Consult your machine’s instruction manual for specific timings and settings.
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Knead and rise: Let the bread machine do its magic! The dough cycle will knead the ingredients thoroughly and allow the dough to rise.
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Shape the loaf: Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the pan. Gently shape it into a loaf and place it back into the greased pan.
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Bake: Select the bake cycle on your bread machine. Again, refer to your bread machine's manual for the correct baking time and settings.
Tips for the Best Jalapeno Cheese Bread:
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the spiciness. For a milder bread, use less; for a fiery kick, add more!
- Cheese selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious additions.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding other ingredients like bacon bits, sausage crumbles, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover jalapeno cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. It’s best to use a nutritional calculator for precise values once you've finalized your ingredient list. However, expect a good source of carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the olive oil. The jalapenos offer a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
Variations:
- Herb jalapeno cheese bread: Add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, or thyme, for a more aromatic bread.
- Cheddar jalapeno bread: Replace the Monterey Jack with an equal amount of extra cheddar for a richer cheddar flavor.
Making this jalapeno cheese bread in your bread machine is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy delicious homemade bread. The warm, cheesy aroma filling your kitchen will be worth every minute of effortless preparation. Enjoy!