Cheddar Jalapeño Dutch Oven Bread
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.
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!