Jalapeño Cheddar Bread Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who dreams about melty, cheesy bread with just the right spark of heat, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Jalapeño Cheddar Bread. This loaf is everything: golden, tender, a touch spicy, and bursting with pockets of sharp cheddar, making every slice impossible to resist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something absolutely crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own magic—cheddar for richness, peppers for zingy color and heat, and classic pantry staples for the perfect loaf texture.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but tender structure of the bread—don’t overmix for the fluffiest crumb.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances the heat and sharpness from the cheese, making the flavors pop.
• Baking powder: The secret weapon behind the bread’s beautiful rise and pillowy softness.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the full flavor in every ingredient—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth alongside the jalapeños for extra depth.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show; the sharper the better for the boldest cheesy taste.
• Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender—full-fat for best results!
• Vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture and keeps the loaf rich but not heavy.
• Large egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, sliceable loaf.
• Jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced): Bring the perfect hit of spicy, grassy flavor—adjust the quantity for more or less heat.
• Diced green bell pepper: For a pop of color and mild sweetness to balance the spicy notes.
• Diced red bell pepper: Adds gorgeous contrast and extra crunch in every slice.

Variations

One of the best things about homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is how adaptable it is—feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or any dietary tweaks you need. Get creative—there are no wrong answers!

• Extra Spicy: Leave in the jalapeño seeds, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a big heat boost.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, monterey jack, or smoked gouda for a fun flavor twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just check your baking powder is gluten-free, too.
• Herby Bread: Add a handful of chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro to the batter for even more freshness.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and get your loaf pan ready by greasing or spraying an 8×3-inch pan. This ensures your Jalapeño Cheddar Bread bakes evenly and releases with that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick sifting step guarantees a light crumb and evenly distributed seasoning throughout your bread—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Add Cheese & Toss

Add all that glorious shredded sharp cheddar to your flour mixture, gently tossing to coat each cheese strand. Coating the cheddar keeps it from sinking and helps create melty pockets in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, oil, and egg until smooth. Combining wet ingredients separately helps prevent overmixing later, resulting in a fluffier loaf.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the center of your dry ingredients. Grab a wooden spoon and gently stir—just enough to start coming together. Don’t worry about lumps; overmixing is the only enemy here!

Step 6: Fold In Peppers

Now, fold in your diced jalapeños, green, and red bell peppers. These colorful gems not only add zing, but also create a mosaic of peppery, cheesy goodness throughout your Jalapeño Cheddar Bread.

Step 7: Bake & Cool

Spoon your thick, vibrant batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and springs back lightly when pressed. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm—it’s pure comfort!

How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Garnishes

Top each slice with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño, or a pat of butter that melts into all the nooks and crannies. A little sprinkle of fresh chives or cilantro pretties up the plate and adds a dash of fresh flavor too.

Side Dishes

This bread is fabulous alongside a bowl of hearty chili, a creamy tomato soup, or as a spicy counterpoint to light salads with zesty vinaigrettes. It also makes a mouthwatering addition to casual brunch spreads or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice Jalapeño Cheddar Bread into thick fingers for dipping, toast rounds for a flavorful bruschetta twist, or cube it for a vibrant party platter. For a real show-stopper, cube and toast the bread as croutons atop your favorite soup, or use slices to build the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with attitude!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Jalapeño Cheddar Bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay moist and fresh for up to four days—excellent for snacking or sandwiches all week long!

Freezing

Let your bread cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Label with the date and stash it in the freezer for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat individual slices in the toaster or microwave until warm. For larger portions, wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 10–12 minutes—it’ll taste fresh from the oven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bake something that gets everyone around the table smiling, Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is your answer. It’s the kind of loaf that disappears before you know it, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking it on repeat. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy, cozy bite!

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