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Easy Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe (Dutch Oven Bread)

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This easy jalapeño cheddar bread recipe is baked in a Dutch oven for a crispy crust and soft center. Made with simple pantry ingredients, cheddar cheese, and jarred jalapeños, make this homemade bread for soups, sandwiches, or serving alongside chili.

crusty jalapeño cheddar bread sliced on cutting board
Dutch Oven Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Images by Sarah Alvord

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

⭐️ Baked in a Dutch oven crispy outer crust and soft center.
⭐️ Easy to make with a few simple staple ingredients
⭐️ Flavorful bread with the addition of jalapeno and cheddar cheese

Why Bake Bread in a Dutch Oven Pan


  • I love using my Dutch oven pot to make a easy crusty bread, it comes out brown, crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.
  • Cast iron Dutch oven pans are famous for having even heat distribution helping it evenly bake the bread.
  • The pan allows for moisture to stay in the pot creating steam that helps make the crisp outer crust of the bread.
Dutch oven jalapeño cheddar bread loaf

⭐️I’ve tested this bread recipe in multiple Dutch oven sizes including 4-quart and 6-quart cast iron pots. It turns out every time.

⭐️ Love homemade bread recipes? Check out my recipes for Cranberry Walnut Bread, or this Small Loaf of Cast Iron Bread.

Why This Jalapeño Cheddar Bread Works


  • High hydration dough creates a soft, chewy crumb
  • The Dutch oven traps steam for bakery-style crust
  • Jarred jalapeño juice adds flavor throughout the dough
  • Sharp cheddar cubes melt into pockets of cheese inside the loaf

Ingredients for Jalapeno Cheesy Bread Recipe


Just a few pantry staple ingredients and cheese and jalapenos is all you will need to make this simple homemade bread recipe. It’s artisan bread at home. Here is everything you will need: (Full measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All purpose flour– a staple in every home. Bread flour can also be used in the recipe.
  • Instant yeast– this does not require proofing or a second rise which makes this recipe quick and easy.
  • Sea salt– adds additional flavor to this homemade bread recipe.
  • Water– check the temperature of the water with an internal thermometer to make sure the yeast will be activated. It should be 110-115º F
  • Olive oil– adds to the softness of the bread
  • Jarred jalapenos– this recipe uses the liquid and the sliced jalapenos from jarred jalapenos.
  • Cheddar cheese– sharp cheddar cheese adds the best flavor and texture.

Fresh vs Jarred Jalapeños


  • Jarred jalapeños work best for consistent flavor in bread dough
  • Jarred jalapeños create a milder flavor and add tangy brine while making the dough
  • Fresh jalapeños can create a stronger spice level

How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Recipe


  1. Make the Dough– in a large mixing bowl combine the flour, yeast, and sea salt. In a separate large measuring cup mix together the water, jalapeno juice, and olive oil. Pour into the bowl with the flour and mix with a wooden spoon or dough whisk. Mix until a soft, sticky dough is formed. Use clean hands to knead for about 2 minutes into a ball.
bread dough for jalapeno cheese bread in a glass bowl
  1. Rise– cover the bowl with a piece of greased plastic wrap or a clean towel and place in a warm, dark place to rise for at least 1 hour. The dough will be doubled and bubbly.
  2. Add Cheese and Jalapenos– scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and stretch into a square. Sprinkle cheese cubes and jalapeno pieces over the dough.
jalapeno cheddar bread with chunks of cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos
  1. Shape– fold the sides of the dough into the center, then roll the dough from one short end to the other until all rolled together. Slide the dough around on the counter until it forms a ball.
bread dough ball with cheddar and jalapenos
  1. Bake– place the dough into a parchment lined Dutch oven pot. Place extra cheese and jalapeno slices on top if desired. Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 30 minutes at 400º F, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Slice– cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Storage


  • Allow the jalapeno cheddar bread to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or zip top bag on the counter. This bread will keep fresh for 3-4 days.
  • To freeze, slice the bread into slices then freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. Enjoy a single slice by toasting in a toaster to thaw and make crispy.

Recipe FAQs


Which size of Dutch Oven works best for this bread recipe?

I have made this recipe in a 4, 6 and 10 quart pan and it works great in either. If there was one that I feel works best it would be a 4 quart pan, it just holds the shape of the bread better.

My dough is so sticky, what do I do?

After the dough has risen, it will be pretty wet and sticky. The best way to keep it from sticking to the counter is to sprinkle some flour on the surface. To keep it from sticking to your hands, dip your fingertips into some warm water before handling the dough.

Can I use fresh jalapenos?

Of course, just skip adding in the jalapeno juice and add in fresh, sliced jalapenos with the seeds and ribs removed.

How can I tell if the bread is done?

The bread will be golden brown and the cheese will be melted on top when it is done cooking. Another great way to know when the bread is cooked through is to measure the temperature of the center with an instant read thermometer. It should be 200º F.

Do I need to store jalapeno cheddar bread in the refrigerator?

This bread can be stored on the counter, or in the refrigerator.

What to serve with cheddar jalapeno bread?

This bread goes great with a creamy soup, like this white chicken chili, a loaded salad, or we love to use it to make a chicken or turkey grilled cheese sandwich.

Can I make jalapeno cheddar bread without a Dutch oven?

If you don’t own a Dutch oven pot, place the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place a few ice cubes on the pan and cover the bread loosely with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

What cheese works best in jalapeno bread?

I like to use sharp cheddar, it gives a richer cheese flavor. Other cheese that would work in this cheese bread recipe would be milk cheddar, pepper jack or even white cheddar.

Is this bread spicy?

This bread is mildly spicy. You can make it more spicy by using jalapenos that are labeled HOT and not mild.

Do I need to preheat my Dutch oven pan before baking bread?

No! It is actually recommended by manufacturers that Dutch ovens should not be heated without anything inside of them. I never preheat my pan before baking bread.

homemade cheddar jalapeño artisan bread

⭐️ After you give this recipe a try please come back and leave me a review! I would love to hear how it turned out for you! ⭐️

Other Cast Iron Bread Recipes To Try:

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crusty jalapeño cheddar bread sliced on cutting board
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Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Easy Recipe

Bold flavors of Jalapenos and Cheddar Cheese come together to make this easy Jalapeno Cheddar homemade bread in a Dutch oven.
Prep Time1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 203kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 2 cups warm water (115-120ºF)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons jalapeno juice from jar
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese diced into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup jarred jalapeno nacho slices diced

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl combine 4 cups all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • In a separate bowl or measuring cup combine the 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons jalapeno juice Pour in with the flour mixture. Stir to combine with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a soft ball is formed. Knead with your hands for about 2 minutes until the dough comes together.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or greased plastic wrap and place in a cool, dark place to rise for 1 hour.
  • Dust a clean surface with some flour. Roll the dough out onto the floured surface and spread out into a square. Sprinkle most of the 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup jarred jalapeno nacho slices over the dough. Fold the sides to the center, then roll from one small end to the other bringing the dough together into a ball.
  • Place the bread into a parchment lined 4-6 quart Dutch oven pan. Add additional pieces of cheese and jalapeno to the top of the bread before baking.
  • Bake the bread covered with the lid in a 400º F oven for 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden brown on top.
  • Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place on a cooling rack to cool before slicing.

Notes

  • Nutrition facts are just an estimate of the ingredients listed
  • If the dough is sticking to your hands, dip your fingers in a little bit of water to help prevent sticking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 450mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 2mg
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Bread, Comfort Food, Side Dish
Keyword: Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread
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What to Serve with Jalapeño Cheddar Bread


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