Get ready to elevate your bread game with this Easy Crusty Jalapeño Cheese Bread Fantastico! This no-knead artisan bread combines the irresistible flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and spicy fresh jalapeños, all baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven for that signature crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. With just a handful of pantry staples, a few simple steps, and a long, hands-off rise, this recipe is as forgiving as it is flavorful. Perfectly customizable—try brushing it with melted butter for an extra golden finish—it’s the ultimate side for soups, chili, or your favorite dips. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this jalapeño cheese bread is your ticket to bakery-quality results at home.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms. No kneading is required—just ensure there are no visible dry patches of flour.
Fold in the diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot (with its lid) in the oven to heat for at least 30 minutes.
Generously flour a work surface and turn the sticky dough out onto it. Using floured hands, shape the dough into a ball, being careful not to deflate it too much.
Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven (it will be very hot!) and place the dough ball inside. If desired, brush the top of the dough with melted butter for a golden crust.
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake the bread for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Calories |
1971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.1 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.3 g | 196% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 181 mg | 60% | |
| Sodium | 4269 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.1 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 66.9 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 859 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 17.8 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 597 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.