Description

Bold and Crusty is a flavorful homemade cheddar and jalapeno bread featuring a crisp golden crust and a soft, cheesy interior. This artisan-style loaf is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy, cheesy twist in their bread. Using simple ingredients and baked in a Dutch oven, it yields a rustic, bakery-quality bread that’s ideal for sandwiches or as a savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (480 ml) warm water
2¼ tsp (7 g) active dry or instant yeast
1 tbsp (12 g) sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or other cooking oil
2 tsp (12 g) salt
2 jalapeno peppers, deseeded and chopped
1½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Topping Ingredients

1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into rings
½ cup (57 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, olive oil, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, chopped deseeded jalapenos, salt, and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix these dry ingredients together evenly.
Form the Dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too sticky or loose, adjust by adding a bit more flour as needed to reach the right consistency.
First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, allowing it to double in size.
Fold the Dough: Using a spatula, fold the edges of the dough towards the center gently. This helps develop gluten structure. Let the dough rise again for another 30 minutes, covered.
Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven inside your oven and preheat to 425ºF (220ºC). Allow it to heat for 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly hot for baking the bread.
Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the risen dough out onto parchment paper. Shape it gently into a round loaf ball.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dough, then arrange the jalapeno rings decoratively on top.
Bake Covered: Carefully transfer the dough on its parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This traps steam and helps develop a beautiful crust.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a deep golden brown and is crisp.
Cool Before Slicing: Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures the interior sets properly and slices cleanly.

Notes

Using a Dutch oven helps create steam needed for a crispy crust similar to artisanal bakery breads.
Deseeding jalapenos reduces heat; adjust quantity to taste.
The dough is sticky; use floured hands and surface for easier shaping.
Letting the bread cool completely improves texture and crumb structure.
This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for convenient toast or sandwiches later.

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheddar jalapeno bread, crusty bread, homemade cheesy bread, spicy bread, Dutch oven bread