Sneak Peek: Let your bread machine handle the hard work with this Jalapeno-Cheese Bread! Packed with chunks of mild cheddar and spicy jalapenos, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a unique hostess gift.
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Craving cheesy, spicy bread from your bread machine? Look no further! I’ve cracked the cheese code after a year of tasty trials.
Learn when to toss the cheese into the dough, how much, which cheese reigns supreme, and even how to avoid an unexpected cheese eruption. Your bread machine is about to become the ultimate cheesy accomplice!
Why This Bread Stands Out
Flavorful Mix: Mild cheddar and spicy jalapenos in every bite.
Versatile Texture: Soft and tender, perfect for sandwiches or snacking.
Customizable Shape: Bake as a loaf or shape into a boule for parties.
“I made your Jalepeno Cheese Bread yesterday. Baked it in my gas oven. Turned out great. I used the bread maker dough cycle. Watched it often and saw the dough was slightly wet so added a tablespoon of flour. Was perfect after that, it stuck to the sides slightly and pulled away easily. Such a great feeling to have such soft bread with a nice crust. Everyone was impressed.” –DIANA M.
Ingredients and Substitutions
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RUSSET POTATO:
A microwaved potato works best for consistent moisture and flavor.
PinWeigh and add the dough ingredients (except the cheese and jalapenos) to the bread machine pan in the order listed. Select the DOUGH cycle and press START.
PinOpen the bread machine lid during the first minute to ensure the paddle(s) are engaged and the dough starts clumping.
PinWhile the dough kneads, dice the cheese into small quarter-inch cubes. Set aside.
Pin During the final kneading stage, the dough should stick to the side and pull away cleanly. Adjust consistency if needed: Too dry? Add milk 1 tbsp at a time. Too wet? Add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
PinAdd the cheese and jalapenos in the last minute of the kneading phase (check the bread machine manual). If you miss the beeps, wait until the DOUGH cycle ends, then knead them into the dough by hand.
If you add the cheese and jalapenos too early, the paddles will smash the cheese into the dough so thoroughly that you won’t recognize them. It doesn’t ruin your bread, but it changes the character of the bread when you slice it.
PinLet the DOUGH cycle finish. The dough should double in size by the end of the kneading period. If not, leave the dough in the bread machine pan until it doubles.
Shape the Dough
PinRemove dough from the bread machine onto a floured surface.
PinUse a rolling pin or your hands to press the dough into a rectangle approximately 9 x 10 inches. If the cheesy pieces are not well distributed, this is a good time to reposition them. (See the video.)
PinRoll up the dough without stretching or leaving air holes.
PinPinch the seams to seal them. Fold up each end and seal it. Wherever you see exposed chunks of cheese, pull the dough over the cheese and seal with your fingers. All larger chunks of cheese should be covered to prevent a cheesy eruption in the oven. This process is illustrated in the video.
PinCover the bread with a tea towel or plastic wrap and allow the bread to rise just below the top of the pan. Don’t let it reach the top before you put it into the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.
PinSprinkle the shaped loaves with shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired. Arrange 3-5 jalapeno slices across the top, if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 198-200°F.
PinLet the loaf cool in the bread pan for about five minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool. Note: Notice this loaf had cheese sprinkled on top before baking.
PinJalapeno Cheddar Loaf has no cheese on top and an egg glaze instead. Choose the one you like best.
PinBake the dough in a loaf pan or shape it into a round boule–nice for parties.
This could be due to underproofing, too much flour, or inactive yeast.
Can I bake this bread in my bread machine?
Yes, but the crust will be thicker and less delicate than when baked in the oven. Expect the texture to be more crumbly.
Parting Thoughts: This Jalapeno-Cheddar Bread is perfect for charcuterie boards, as a hostess gift, or for munching at gatherings. For an extra touch, sprinkle shredded cheese or arrange jalapeno slices on top before baking.
When gifting homemade bread, let the host know it’s not meant to be served immediately—it’s a thoughtful treat for later!.
Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!
This slightly sweet and spicy cheese loaf is extremely munchable. Once it cools, cut or slice it into chunks for snacks or make toasted cheese sandwiches with your preferred jelly. It’s a sweet and savory treat.
¼cup(60g)potato, cooked and mashed with a forkSee the recipe notes below for preparing the potato.
¼cup(57g)milk, cool
¼cup(57g)water, cool
1 large(50g)egg, cool
1tablespoongranulated sugar
1teaspoontable or sea salt
1tablespoonbutter (chopped)
2cups(240g)all-purpose flour
1½teaspoonsinstant yeast
2-3tablespoonsjarred jalapeno peppers, drained and diced (use a paper towel to blot and remove any excess moisture)
4 ounces(113 g)mild Cheddar cheese (cut into ¼ to ½-inch cubes)
Glaze
1 large(50g)egg
pinchsalt
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Instructions
Mixing the Dough
Add ¼ cup(60g) potato, cooked and mashed with a fork, ¼ cup(57g) milk, cool, ¼ cup(57g) water, cool, 1 large(50g) egg, cool, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon table or sea salt, 1 tablespoon butter (chopped), 2 cups(240g) all-purpose flour, and 1½ teaspoons instant yeast to the bread machine pan.
Start the DOUGH cycle on your bread machine and check after a minute to see if the paddles are working and the dough is forming a ball. After 15 minutes, ensure the dough sticks to the sides then pulls away cleanly. If too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add liquid gradually.
While the dough is kneading in the machine, prepare the 2-3 tablespoons jarred jalapeno peppers, drained and diced . Use a towel to pat them as dry as possible. Cut the Cheddar cheese into small 1/2-inch chunks. Let the cheese sit out to warm up a bit.
Add 4 ounces(113 g) mild Cheddar cheese (cut into ¼ to ½-inch cubes) and 2-3 tablespoons jarred jalapeno peppers, drained and diced during the last two minutes of the kneading phase. If you add them too early, the bread machine paddles with obliterate the cheese. If you forget or miss the beep your machine sounds to add ingredients, you can knead them in by hand when you get ready to shape the dough later.
Leave the dough in the machine until the DOUGH cycle ends and the dough grows to double its original size.
Shaping the Dough:
Pull the dough from the bread machine pan onto a lightly floured surface. (I like to use a silicone mat because clean-up is super easy–throw it into the dishwasher.)
Knead the bubbles out of the dough. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a rough rectangle approximately 9 x 10 inches. If the dough seems bouncy and hard to handle, cover it with a tea towel and allow it to relax for 15 minutes.
Roll up the dough starting from the shortest side. Avoid leaving any air holes in the layers of dough, rolling tightly without stretching. Pinch the seam shut with your fingers. Pull the ends toward the seam and pinch them shut.
Place the shaped dough seam-side down into an 8½ x 4½-inch loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise until the dough rises one inch above the top of the pan. Letting the dough rise too much can be disastrous and cause the bread to cave in the middle or the sides while baking or when it comes out of the oven.
Glaze:
Whisk 1 large(50g) egg with a pinch salt. Brush the raised loaf with egg glaze. Add jalapeno slices for decoration and glaze again.
Bake:
Preheat the oven for about 15 minutes before you think the bread will be ready to bake.
Bake at 375˚F (190˚C) for 31 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195˚F (91˚C).
Let the loaf cool for about 5 minutes. Turn out the loaf onto a wire cooling rack. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing or else risk crushing the loaf or causing it to fall. This is very important: please don’t cheat.
Notes
Microwaving a Potato:
Stab a small to medium-sized potato a couple of times with a fork. Wrap loosely with a paper towel. Microwave for 5-6 minutes until the potato is soft and cooked through. Times will vary according to your microwave’s power and the potato’s size. Allow to sit on the counter for a few minutes until cool enough to handle. Cut the potato in half and dig out the soft innards with a spoon. (A grapefruit spoon works really well). Measure and add to the bread machine as directed.
Using a Stand Mixer:
In a heavy-duty stand mixer, add the ingredients to the bowl in the specified order.
Begin mixing on low speed until all the ingredients are moistened.
Switch to a dough hook attachment and increase the speed to 2 or 3.
Continue beating/kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, typically about 5-10 minutes. Add finely chopped cheese and jalapenos and mix for less than a minute–just long enough to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the dough.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place.
Once risen, gently deflate the dough and shape it as the recipe directs.
Making by Hand:
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl until they form a shaggy ball.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic, which may take around 10-20 minutes, depending on your experience. During the last minute, knead in the cheese and jalapenos.
Place the dough ball in a greased bowl.
Cover the bowl and allow the dough to double in size.
After rising, gently deflate the dough and shape it according to the recipe’s instructions.
Please Note: You can use active dry yeast as a substitute. Dissolving it first is optional. Active dry yeast may have a slower initial rise but will catch up eventually. Alternatively, add 1/4 teaspoon extra yeast to make up for the slowness.
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.