Introduction

This Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread combines the warmth of spicy jalapenos with sharp cheddar cheese for a flavorful twist on homemade bread. Baked in a dutch oven, it develops a crisp crust and soft, cheesy interior that’s perfect for sandwiches or snacking.

A round, golden-brown bread with a slightly crispy top sits inside a white baking dish lined with brown parchment paper. The bread shows visible melted cheese on top, along with several green olive slices evenly scattered. The texture looks fluffy inside with a crunchy baked crust on the edges. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 large jalapeno, diced
2 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 standard 0.25 oz packet)
1/3 – 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
10 round slices jalapeno (or more, to taste, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeno. Stir gently and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the warm water and instant yeast. Stir briefly to dissolve the yeast.
Step 3: Add the flour mixture to the yeast water. Using a rubber spatula, mix until no dry flour remains and the dough is fully combined. The dough will be loose and sticky.
Step 4: Fold the dough by pulling edges toward the center using the spatula, turning the bowl slightly with each fold. Repeat 8-10 times. Cover the bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Step 5: After 1 hour, fold the dough again 8-10 times using the same method. Cover and let rise for another hour.
Step 6: Halfway through the second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with the dutch oven and lid inside for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7: Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Turn the dough out and flip it over, brushing off excess flour. Fold the corners inward 6-8 times to form a rough ball. Place the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper.
Step 8: Score the dough top with an “X” using a sharp knife. Lightly brush or spray with oil. Sprinkle 1/3 to 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and arrange jalapeno slices.
Step 9: Carefully remove the hot dutch oven from the oven and remove its lid. Transfer the dough with parchment paper inside the dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until crusty and golden brown.
Step 11: Remove the dutch oven from the oven and slide the bread with parchment onto a wire rack. Let cool completely for 1-2 hours before slicing for best texture.

Tips & Variations

This high hydration dough is very sticky—use a large bowl to give it room to rise.
Preheat the dutch oven thoroughly to develop a crisp, golden crust.
For less heat, remove jalapeno seeds before dicing and topping.
Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the cooled bread wrapped loosely in a cloth or paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crustiness. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a crispy finish.

How to Serve

A golden brown baked dish with a slightly cracked top, studded with round slices of green olives, sitting in a round white ceramic dish lined with crumpled brown parchment paper. The surface looks soft and fluffy with some darker toasted spots, and the olive slices add a touch of green contrast. The white ceramic dish rests on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives more structure and a chewier texture. All-purpose flour works but may produce a slightly softer crumb.

How spicy is this bread?

The heat depends on the amount and type of jalapenos used. Removing the seeds reduces spiciness significantly. Adjust to your taste by adding more or fewer jalapeno slices.