Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your family and friends? This Cheddar Jalapeno Bread is the perfect answer! This homemade bread combines the sharp tang of cheddar cheese with the fiery kick of jalapenos, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It's surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending the comfort of homemade bread with a delightful spicy twist. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped jalapenos (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to leaven the bread.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. This creates the base of your bread dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 3 cups of flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Jalapenos
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapenos. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a better texture in your bread.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For a beautiful golden-brown crust, brush the top of the bread with milk before baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious Cheddar Jalapeno Bread!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the heat. For a milder bread, use less; for a spicier kick, use more! You can also remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos for less heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious additions.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or herbs to customize your bread.
- Make it a Quick Bread: For a quicker version, skip the rising steps and bake immediately after shaping the loaf. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This Cheddar Jalapeno Bread is a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade cooking can be. It's a delightful addition to any meal, perfect served warm with soup, salad, or alongside your favorite chili. Enjoy the deliciousness!