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Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread with a crusty exterior and melted cheese.

Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bread


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  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices

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

  1. In a large bowl, mix water and active starter until it looks cloudy.
  2. Add flour and salt. Stir until you have a shaggy dough.
  3. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Stretch and Folds

  1. Over the next 2 hours, do 3 to 4 sets of stretch and folds, about 30 minutes apart.
  2. The dough will go from rough to smoother and more elastic.

Adding Mix-Ins

  1. On the second set of folds, sprinkle in most of the cheddar and jalapeños.
  2. Fold gently so you do not tear the dough. Save a small handful of cheese for topping if desired.

Bulk Rise

  1. Cover and let the dough rise until it looks puffier and jiggles when shaken, about 4 to 6 hours depending on the temperature.

Shaping

  1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Shape it into a round.
  2. Let it rest for 15 minutes, then shape again a bit tighter.
  3. Place seam side up into a floured basket or a bowl lined with a floured towel.

Cold Proof

  1. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 16 hours.

Baking

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F with the Dutch oven inside for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  2. Transfer dough to parchment, score the top, add remaining cheese if desired, then bake covered for 25 minutes.
  3. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden and crisp.

Cooling

  1. 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