Name: Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup (240ml) warm water; ¼ cup (60ml) milk; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2-3 jalapeños, sliced; Special Tools:; Large mixing bowl; Baking sheet or Dutch oven; Parchment paper

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen, especially when it’s this flavorful Jalapeño Cheddar Bread. It’s one of those recipes that has become a staple in our home, loved for its perfect balance of heat and cheesiness. I first made this bread on a whim, craving something hearty and savory to accompany a bowl of homemade chili. From the very first bite, my family was hooked.

The crust is golden and crisp, while the inside remains soft, cheesy, and dotted with jalapeño slices that bring just the right amount of spice. My kids, who usually shy away from anything remotely spicy, devour this bread every time. It’s become a go-to recipe for gatherings, lazy weekends, or whenever I want to impress guests with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to customize. Want a spicier kick? Add extra jalapeños. Prefer a mellower flavor? Swap in mild cheddar. The versatility means it works just as well with a simple soup as it does as a stand-alone snack. If you’re new to bread-making, don’t worry; this recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s a labor of love that brings people together, and I’m excited to share it with you. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar works wonderfully, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda.

How spicy is this bread?
The spice level depends on the jalapeños you use. Removing the seeds will tone down the heat, while leaving them in will make it spicier.

Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! While a stand mixer can make things quicker, this dough is easy to mix and knead by hand.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes best fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze it for longer storage.

What’s the best way to serve it?
It’s perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or even as a base for a hearty sandwich.

What You Need to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

1 cup (240ml) warm water

¼ cup (60ml) milk

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2-3 jalapeños, sliced

Special Tools:

Large mixing bowl

Baking sheet or Dutch oven

Parchment paper

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, milk, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Add cheese and jalapeños: Knead in the cheddar cheese and half of the jalapeño slices.

First rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the bread: Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add toppings: Arrange the remaining jalapeño slices on top of the loaf.

Second rise: Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Making the Best Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Keep the dough moist: If your dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together.

Go fresh: Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and texture.

Cheese tip: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.

Experiment with add-ins: Try adding cooked bacon bits or garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This bread was a hit at our family dinner! My husband loved the spice, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the cheesy goodness.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe! Next time, I’ll add a bit more cheese for extra flavor.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for soup night! The crust was golden and crispy, and the inside was soft and fluffy.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A little too spicy for me, but my husband loved it. I’ll remove the seeds next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was so easy to follow, and the bread turned out amazing. Definitely a keeper!”

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3