Jalapeno Cheddar Bread (No Knead & Super Easy)

Hi! I’m Andy

Welcome to my kitchen.
I hope to inspire you to grow as a home cook!

Okay, friends—if you’ve ever wanted to bake fresh bread at home but felt a little intimidated, this is your moment. We’re talking about jalapeno cheddar bread recipe. It’s very easy to make and full of flavor. This no knead dutch oven bread recipe will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar without any stress.

This is one of those no knead bread recipes that I love because it truly leans into the “set it and forget it” energy. You mix the dough in a bowl. Then, let it rest on the counter.

After that, bake it in a very hot Dutch oven. This gives you a perfect crusty outside and a soft, cheesy, spicy inside. Honestly, the only hard part is not eating the whole loaf in one go.

a no knead bread dough being kneaded on a counter.

Why You’re Gonna Love This Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Let’s start with the obvious: cheddar and jalapeno. Is there a better combo?

It’s full of cheese and has a little kick (or a strong one, depending on your spice choice). It fills your home with the smell of a fancy bakery. The cheddar melts into these gooey pockets, while the jalapeno gives it that peppery punch that wakes everything up. Every bite is warm, comforting, and bold.

But here’s what truly makes this jalapeno cheddar bread recipe shine—it’s EASY. Like, beginner-friendly easy.

You don’t need a stand mixer, you don’t need to knead the dough, and there’s no fancy bread-baking know-how required. It’s one bowl, minimal ingredients, and a little bit of patience while the yeast does its thing. That’s it.

No knead bread recipes are a total confidence booster. If you’ve ever been nervous about baking with yeast or making bread from scratch, this is a gentle, forgiving intro.

Plus, the final result looks and tastes way more impressive than the effort you put in. The kind o fdutch oven bread you can proudly serve at brunch, bring to a dinner party, or just slice up on a slow weekend morning with coffee. Low effort with a substantial payoff—and that’s the kind of kitchen win we’re always chasing.

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread loaf cut in half

Perfect Anytime Bread

One of the reasons this jalapeno cheddar bread is in regular rotation at our place is because it’s crazy versatile. Fresh outta the oven, it’s a knockout on its own. Cut it thick, spread on some butter (maybe a little honey for something sweet), and you have a great snack.

But it doesn’t stop there. This dutch oven bread makes amazing sandwiches. I’m talking grilled cheese that’ll knock your socks off.

Egg sandwiches? Unreal.

Dip it in a bowl of tomato soup or serve it with a hearty stew. It makes the whole meal better. I’ve even used it as a base for breakfast toast with avocado and a fried egg—total game changer.

It also holds up really well for next-day meals. You can toast a slice of bread. Then, add some deli meats, cheese, and mustard. You can also add a few pickled onions.

And just like that, you have a great lunch. I’ve even crumbled the end pieces into a pan of scrambled eggs for a savoury, cheesy twist on a breakfast hash.

And if you’re into grazing boards or cheese platters, little toasted slices of this dutch oven bread totally elevate the vibe. It’s got character, a bit of heat, and it plays nice with just about everything.

A delicious dutch oven bread made with cheddar and jalapeno.

Best Bread Ever

Honestly, once you start baking this jalapeno cheddar bread, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Dutch oven bread is a great way to make bakery-style bread at home. This recipe has a cheesy jalapeno twist that will get you hooked. Let’s talk tips! Since this bread is so forgiving, it’s hard to mess up—but here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Don’t skip the resting time. The dough needs a good few hours to rise and bubble up. The dough rise is where all the magic happens.
  • Keep it sticky. The dough should be shaggy and a little wet—it’s what helps create that chewy, airy interior.
  • Use a piece of parchment paper. Trust me, dropping the dough into a hot dutch oven is a lot easier (and safer!) with a little parchment buffer.
  • Resist the urge to add cheese on top. I know it’s tempting, but it’ll burn in the high heat. Keep the cheddar tucked inside the folds and you’ll have a beautiful golden brown crust.

Another tip? Don’t stress about shaping it perfectly. Rustic is the name of the game here. If your dough looks a little wonky or lopsided before baking, that’s totally fine—it all evens out in the oven. And slicing the top before it bakes not only looks pro, it helps release steam and gives your loaf that iconic artisan bread look.

Also, give it time to cool before slicing in. I know it’s tough, but letting it rest helps the inside finish setting up, so every slice holds together perfectly. As far as no knead bread recipes go, this one is a true star!

A no knead bread recipe made with cheddar cheese and jalapeno.

Final Thoughts on This Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Whether you are new to baking or a skilled cook, this jalapeno cheddar bread recipe is easy and tasty. Cozy, crowd-pleasing, and one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again, this dish is a favorite.

It’s also a fun one to experiment with. Try changing the cheese.

You could use a smoky gouda or a sharp white cheddar. You can also add some extra herbs for a new flavor. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start dreaming up your own delicious variations.

Alright, let’s get into it, shall we?

A dutch oven bread loaf made with cheddar and jalapeño.

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Recipe

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread loaf cut in half

Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients:  

  • 3 cups all purpose flour, plus 1/4 cup for dusting
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (95°F–105°F)
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1/2-1 jalapeno (depending on your spice tolerance), sliced to the center

ECK

Instructions: 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in warm water and thoroughly mix using your hands or a wooden spoon. Dough should be sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 3–5 hours. You want the mixture to double in size and start to have small bubbles on the top. You can let this sit on the counter for up to 18 hours.
  • Once you’re ready to bake, place a dutch oven in an oven preheated to 450°F. Let the dutch oven preheat for 30–40 minutes. While the oven is heating, flour a flat surface and your hands, then remove the dough from the bowl. Fold the dough over itself 4 times, layering the cheese and jalapeno slices into each fold. From there, use your hands to form the dough into a tight ball. Place a piece of parchment paper into your bowl and gently drop in the dough ball. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rest for 20 minutes.
  • Once your dutch oven is screaming hot, CAREFULLY remove it from the oven, remove the lid, and drop the parchment paper and dough ball into the dutch oven. Using a sharp knife, slice the top of the dough to allow steam to release. Place the cover back on the dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the loaf is a beautiful golden brown.
  • Remove from oven, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy. Well done, Chef!

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