Imagine pulling a freshly baked loaf of Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread from your oven, the warm aroma enveloping your kitchen as the golden crust crackles with delight. This recipe is not just about bread; it’s a culinary adventure that combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheddar cheese with the spicy kick of jalapenos, creating a perfect harmony of taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you mastering the art of bread-making in no time. Get ready to elevate your bread game and make your home smell irresistible!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapenos, sliced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure that all the flour is incorporated, and there are no dry patches.
- Once the dough is combined, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced jalapenos. Mix until the cheese and jalapenos are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and bubbles form on the surface.
- After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Be careful not to deflate it too much.
- Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) in the oven as it preheats. This will create a steamy environment for the bread to rise.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it into the Dutch oven. Be cautious as the pot will be very hot.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. This will help the bread to steam and create a nice crust.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the Dutch oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven using the parchment paper. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh jalapenos and high-quality cheddar cheese. The freshness of these ingredients will significantly enhance the taste of your bread.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your water is warm, not hot. Ideally, it should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Long Rise Time: Don’t rush the rising process! Allowing the dough to rise for 12 to 18 hours will develop a deeper flavor and create a more airy texture.
- Be Gentle: When shaping the dough, handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles that have formed during the rise. This will result in a lighter loaf.
- Preheat Your Dutch Oven: Preheating the Dutch oven is crucial for achieving that perfect crust. The steam created inside will help the bread rise beautifully.
- Experiment with Spice: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapenos or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the interior to set, making it easier to cut and enhancing the flavor.
- Serve Warm: This bread is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or your favorite spread. It’s perfect for sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
