If you love a crusty, golden loaf of bread that’s packed with the sharpness of cheddar and the spicy kick of jalapeños, this Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread is the recipe for you. Made in a Dutch oven, this bread requires no kneading and delivers a beautiful artisan-style loaf that’s perfect for everything from sandwiches to snacking. The combination of jalapeños and cheddar cheese throughout the soft, pillowy interior makes each slice full of flavor, while the crispy, golden crust adds a satisfying crunch.

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Baking bread in a Dutch oven is one of the easiest ways to achieve bakery-quality bread at home. The moist, enclosed environment of the Dutch oven allows the bread to rise fully while developing that signature crust. This recipe keeps things simple with a no-knead dough, but the end result is anything but basic. The sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños make this loaf irresistible, and the toppings of extra cheddar and sliced jalapeños add the perfect finishing touch.

A Brief History of Dutch Oven Bread and Its Popularity

Dutch ovens have been used for centuries for everything from stews to baked goods. Their ability to evenly distribute heat makes them perfect for creating bread with a crunchy crust and soft interior. No-knead bread recipes became particularly popular in the early 2000s, thanks to their ease and ability to deliver delicious results without the need for extensive time and effort. The combination of cheddar and jalapeños in this recipe brings a Southwestern twist to this traditional baking method, adding bold flavors that will excite your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

This recipe is simple and straightforward, yet the final result is impressive enough for any occasion. The use of sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory flavor, while the jalapeños provide just the right amount of heat. The bread is baked in a Dutch oven, which helps create a beautifully golden crust, making it look like it came straight from an artisan bakery. With only a few basic ingredients and no kneading required, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bake this flavorful bread at home.

Not only is this Jalapeño Cheddar Bread delicious, but it’s also versatile. It can be served alongside soups, stews, or chili, or you can use it to make sandwiches with a little extra kick. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is a great way to expand your baking repertoire.

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Nutritional Information for Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread (Per Serving, Serves 10)  

• • Calories: 220 kcal  
  • Protein: 8g  
  • Fat: 7g  
  • Carbohydrates: 30g  
  • Fiber: 1g  
  • Sugar: 1g  
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Serving Suggestions to Make Your Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Even More Special

Serve this bread warm from the oven with a generous slathering of butter for a simple but satisfying treat. It’s also fantastic for making sandwiches—try it with turkey and avocado, or use it as the base for a grilled cheese sandwich with even more cheddar. For a bold pairing, serve it alongside chili or a hearty soup to complement its flavors. The cheesy, slightly spicy bread adds depth to any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Storage Information for Your Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the loaf for up to three months. To enjoy it later, simply reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy crust and warm, soft interior. For best results, slice and freeze the bread so you can thaw individual pieces as needed.

Extra Fun Tip for Taking Your Bread to the Next Level

For an even more pronounced cheddar flavor, try using a combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese. You can also experiment with different types of jalapeños, such as smoked or pickled, to add a unique twist to the flavor. Another great addition is a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika into the dough for added complexity and richness.

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Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

To a Medium Mixing Bowl:  

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour  
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt  
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese  
• 1 large jalapeño, diced  
• To a Large Mixing Bowl:  
• 2 cups warm water  
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 standard .25oz packet)

For the Topping:  

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.  

2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, kosher salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños together. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring until everything is combined into a shaggy dough.  

3. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and looks bubbly.  

4. Preheat the Oven: Place your Dutch oven (with the lid on) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated.  

5. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. It will be sticky, so use floured hands. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest while the oven preheats.  

6. Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven and place a piece of parchment paper inside. Transfer the dough ball onto the parchment, making sure it’s centered. Sprinkle the top with the extra shredded cheddar cheese and place the jalapeño slices on top.  

7. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.  

8. Cool the Bread: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven and carefully lift the parchment paper to transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.  

Enjoy your freshly baked Jalapeño Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread!

This bread, with its crispy crust and gooey, cheesy interior, is perfect for adding a little heat and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a snack, each bite is packed with cheesy, spicy goodness.