Description
A crusty, cheesy, and slightly spicy sourdough bread that combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the richness of cheddar cheese and the heat of jalapeños.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread flour (Or all-purpose flour if that’s what you have)
- 1.5 cups Water (Room temperature)
- 1 cup Active sourdough starter (Bubbly and recently fed)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
Flavor Additions
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (Shredded or small cubes; sharp cheddar recommended)
- 2 pieces Jalapeños (Fresh or pickled; adjust based on desired spice level)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix water and active starter until it looks cloudy.
- Add flour and salt. Stir until you have a shaggy dough.
- Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Stretch and Folds
- Over the next 2 hours, do 3 to 4 sets of stretch and folds, about 30 minutes apart.
- The dough will go from rough to smoother and more elastic.
Adding Mix-Ins
- On the second set of folds, sprinkle in most of the cheddar and jalapeños.
- Fold gently so you do not tear the dough. Save a small handful of cheese for topping if desired.
Bulk Rise
- Cover and let the dough rise until it looks puffier and jiggles when shaken, about 4 to 6 hours depending on the temperature.
Shaping
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Shape it into a round.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes, then shape again a bit tighter.
- Place seam side up into a floured basket or a bowl lined with a floured towel.
Cold Proof
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 16 hours.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 450°F with the Dutch oven inside for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Transfer dough to parchment, score the top, add remaining cheese if desired, then bake covered for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
Cooling
- Let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Use a preheated Dutch oven for best results. Allow the dough to rise without rushing for optimal texture. Adding mix-ins gently preserves the dough structure.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: bread, Snack
- Cuisine: American, Bakery