Imagine the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your home, enhanced by the bold flavors of jalapeños and the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese. This Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread isn’t just a treat for the senses; it’s an experience filled with satisfaction and warmth. With its crispy crust and soft, airy crumb, this recipe usually becomes the star of any gathering. Whether you serve it alongside a soup, use it for sandwiches, or simply enjoy it warm with butter, this bread has an irresistible charm that makes it worth every moment of the baking process.

This recipe stands out not only because of its unique flavor profile but also due to its relatively simple process. Thanks to the tangy notes from the sourdough starter and the delightful kick from the jalapeños, each bite offers a delicious contrast that makes it an unforgettable loaf to share. Plus, the hands-on involvement in making your sourdough adds a special touch to your baking, connecting you to traditional methods while letting you experiment with flavors. Trust me; once you make this delightful loaf, your friends and family will be asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread

Flavor Fusion: The combination of spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar creates a bold flavor that’s sure to please.
Homemade Goodness: Baking your own bread is rewarding and often healthier than store-bought options.
Versatile Usage: Enjoy it straight from the oven, toasted with butter, or as a base for tasty sandwiches.
Impressive Presentation: A beautifully baked loaf that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for sharing.
Artisanal Touch: The crusty exterior and chewy interior gives this bread a traditional artisanal touch that’s hard to resist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before embarking on your sourdough baking journey, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your sourdough starter is active; feed it approximately 12 hours before you plan to mix the dough. This ensures that your starter is bubbly and ready to give your bread the rise it needs.

For this recipe, you will need a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients, a floured surface for shaping the dough, and a proving basket to let it rise. A Dutch oven is also crucial for achieving that crunchy crust. Preheating the Dutch oven while you prepare the dough ensures that your bread has an optimal baking environment. Keep a kitchen scale handy to measure your ingredients accurately, as precision is key in sourdough baking.

Ingredients

½ cup (100 g) of active sourdough starter
1 tablespoon (15 g) sourdough starter
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (50 g) all-purpose flour
3 ½ tablespoons (50 g) water
½ cup (100 g) sourdough starter (active)
1 ½ cups (360 g) water (30 grams divided)
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (50 g) whole wheat flour
3 ¾ cups (450 g) bread flour
2 teaspoons (10 g) fine sea salt
¼ cup (60 g) sliced jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
4 oz. (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Starter

Start by feeding your sourdough starter at least 12 hours before you plan to mix your dough. This is crucial for ensuring that your starter is active and bubbly, which contributes to the bread’s rise and flavor.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 330 grams of water with 100 grams of your active sourdough starter. Next, add 50 grams of whole wheat flour and 450 grams of bread flour to the mixture. Mix until all the flour is hydrated. This helps to develop the gluten structure. Allow this mixture to rest for about 1 hour. This stage, known as autolyse, enhances the bread’s texture.

Step 3: Add Salt and Water

After the rest period, dissolve the salt in the remaining 30 grams of water and add it to the dough mixture. This not only helps to incorporate the salt evenly but also strengthens the dough.

Step 4: Stretch and Fold Technique

Perform a series of stretch and folds to develop the gluten. Every 30 minutes for 1.5 hours, stretch the dough and fold it over itself. During the second set, gently integrate the sliced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Cover your dough and let it rise at room temperature. You’ll want to allow it to double in size, which typically takes about 2-3 hours. For a stronger flavor, you can also let it rise in the fridge for up to 36 hours.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Shape the dough into a round ball. Then, place it into a well-floured proving basket, seam side up. Dust the top with a bit of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the basket with a cloth and let it rest at room temperature again for 2-3 hours. Alternatively, if you plan to bake it later, you may choose to pop it into the fridge at this stage.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place your Dutch oven inside the oven during the preheating phase for about 30 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crust that we all love.

Step 9: Score and Bake

Once the oven is ready, carefully score the top of the dough using a sharp blade or bread lame. This allows the bread to expand while baking. Place your loaf into the preheated Dutch oven, cover it, and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is a golden brown.

Step 10: Cooling and Slicing

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period allows the crumb to set and enhances the flavors.

Variations

Protein: Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty twist.
Vegetables: Substitute jalapeños with roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.
Spices: Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic experience.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your sourdough starter is active for optimal rise and flavor.
If using fresh jalapeños, consider adjusting the quantity based on your heat preference.
For a crispier crust, leave the lid off the Dutch oven for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this bread with a hot bowl of chili or soup for a comforting meal.
Use it as a base for grilled cheese sandwiches, amplifying the cheese flavor.

Tips

Keep your baking area clean and organized to simplify the process.
For best results, measure ingredients by weight rather than volume.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 240 per slice
Protein: 8 grams
Sodium: 200 milligrams

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

What if my sourdough starter isn’t bubbling?

If your starter isn’t bubbly, it may need more feedings or time at room temperature. Ensure you’re using fresh, active starter.

How can I store the bread?

Store your sourdough bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can bake it on a baking stone or sheet, but be sure to add steam to the oven to mimic the conditions of a Dutch oven.

Conclusion

This Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread proves to be more than just a loaf; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that’s bursting with flavor. Not only is it approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers, but it also opens the door for variations to suit your taste. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you for it! Don’t forget to share your bread-making journey in the comments below, and let us know how your version turned out. Happy baking!