Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is the ultimate savory bake. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, this loaf packs a punch of garlic, fresh herbs, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar in every slice. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or sandwich base, it’s the kind of homemade bread that disappears as soon as it’s sliced.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor-Packed – A savory blend of garlic, cheese, and heat in every bite.
Versatile – Serve it with soups, salads, grilled meats, or on its own.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and no fancy equipment needed.
Custom Heat Level – Adjust the spice based on your jalapeño preference.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (leave seeds for more heat)
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped (optional for extra flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough hook
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• 9×5 inch loaf pan or baking sheet
• Sharp knife or bench scraper
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Stir in warm water and olive oil until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Form into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
5. While the dough rises, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 9×15 inches).
7. Brush the surface with half of the garlic herb butter.
8. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and green onions (if using).
9. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
10. Place the rolled dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining garlic herb butter.
14. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
15. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
16. Slice the bread once it has cooled slightly.
17. Serve warm as a side to soups, salads, or with a pat of butter for a comforting snack.

Tips for the Best Jalapeño Cheddar Bread
Use Sharp Cheddar – Its bold flavor holds up well to the jalapeños and garlic.
Adjust the Heat – Use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds for a milder loaf.
Let It Cool – Resting helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner slices.
Don’t Overwork – Once the cheese and jalapeños are added, handle the dough gently.
Double Up – Make two loaves and freeze one for later!

Serving Suggestions

• With Soup: Perfect with tomato soup, chili, or creamy potato soup.
• As Toast: Toast slices with butter or top with avocado and a fried egg.
• For Sandwiches: Makes a bold base for turkey, grilled chicken, or veggie sandwiches.
• As an Appetizer: Slice and serve with ranch or a creamy dip at parties.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm slices at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Toaster: Toast slices for extra crispness.
• Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pickled jalapeños?
   Yes! They add a tangy flavor. Just pat them dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.
2. What’s a good substitute for cheddar?
   Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
3. Do I need a loaf pan?
   No, you can shape the dough into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter alternatives.
5. How do I know it’s fully baked?
   It should sound hollow when tapped and reach an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Final Thoughts
Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is a bold, cheesy, and flavorful twist on traditional homemade bread. Whether you’re slicing it for a sandwich, pairing it with dinner, or enjoying it solo with a pat of butter, this loaf brings warmth and spice to every bite. It’s a perfect weekend baking project that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure satisfaction.

Give it a try and tag your homemade creations—I’d love to see how spicy you go!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 90 minutes rising time)
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 400mg

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