If you love the combination of cheesy, spicy, and crusty artisan bread, this Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread is for you!

With its crispy golden crust, gooey pockets of sharp cheddar, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeños, this bread is an irresistible addition to any meal.

The no-knead method makes it incredibly easy—just mix the ingredients, let the dough rest overnight, and bake to perfection in a Dutch oven.

Whether you’re serving it with soups, stews, chili, or simply slathering it with butter, this flavorful loaf is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No-Knead & Beginner-Friendly

This recipe requires minimal effort—no kneading, no fancy techniques! Just mix, rest, and bake.

2. Cheesy, Spicy, and Packed with Flavor

The sharp cheddar melts beautifully, creating a rich, cheesy texture, while the jalapeños add a mild to medium heat, depending on your preference.

3. Perfect Artisan-Style Crust

Baking in a Dutch oven creates a crunchy, golden crust with a soft and airy inside—just like bakery-style bread.

4. Versatile & Great for Any Occasion

Enjoy it warm with butter, dip it into soups and stews, or use it for sandwiches, toast, or grilled cheese.

Ingredients Needed

Basic Dough Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the bread.
Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise effortlessly.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Water – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

Flavor Add-Ins

Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded) – Melts into gooey pockets of cheese throughout the bread.
Jalapeños (Fresh or Pickled, Sliced) – Adds a touch of spice and vibrant flavor.
Garlic Powder (Optional) – Enhances the savory depth of the bread.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Slowly add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Jalapeños

Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours, allowing the dough to rise and develop flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a surface and gently shape the dough into a round ball, being careful not to deflate it too much.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes while preheating the Dutch oven at 450°F (232°C).

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to allow the flavors to set. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for the Perfect Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent proper melting. Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for the best results.

2. Control the Spice Level

Mild: Remove the jalapeño seeds before adding.
Spicy: Use more jalapeños or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

3. Ensure a Crispy Crust

Baking in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam, creating a golden, crispy crust.

4. Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing

Cutting too soon can result in a gummy texture. Let the bread rest for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

Keep the bread in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a towel to maintain a crispy crust.
It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing Instructions

Slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

This Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread is the perfect blend of cheesy, spicy, and crusty goodness.

With a no-knead method, it’s incredibly easy to make while delivering bakery-quality results.

Whether you serve it with soups, stews, or enjoy it on its own, this flavorful bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! Bread flour will give the bread a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour creates a lighter loaf.

2. Can I make this bread spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even diced serrano peppers for more heat.

3. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone with an oven-safe dish of water for steam, but the crust may not be as crispy.

4. How do I keep my bread from sticking to the Dutch oven?

Use parchment paper or lightly flour the bottom to prevent sticking.

5. Can I add other ingredients like bacon or herbs?

Yes! Crispy bacon, fresh rosemary, or chives would be great additions to enhance flavor.

Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread

Maria G. Brooks

This Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make, no-knead artisan loaf featuring sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños. It has a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior, with just the right balance of heat and cheesy goodness. The Dutch oven method locks in steam, creating the perfect texture and flavor. Whether paired with a hearty soup or enjoyed on its own, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Course Bread, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Artisan Bread

Servings 10 people

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Dutch oven (4-6 quart size recommended)
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or bread lame (optional, for scoring the bread)

Ingredients

3 cups 360g all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp 8g salt
1 tsp 3g instant yeast
1 ¼ cups 300ml warm water
1 ½ cups 170g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2-3 jalapeños sliced (seeds removed for mild, or left for extra heat)

Optional: ½ tsp (1g) garlic powder for extra flavor

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast.
Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños until evenly distributed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your Dutch oven with the lid on inside to heat up.
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface and shape the dough into a round loaf.
Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30-40 minutes.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough (with parchment paper) inside.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust.
Let the bread cool for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a spicier loaf: Leave the seeds in the jalapeños, or add more jalapeños to intensify the heat.
To make the dough ahead: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Just be sure to let it warm up a bit before shaping.
Flavor variations: Consider adding bacon bits, fresh herbs (like rosemary), or even caramelized onions to change up the flavor profile!

Keyword Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread