A Jalapeño and Cheese Sourdough Bread is a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional sourdough! The combination of the tangy sourdough with the heat from the jalapeños and the richness of melted cheese makes for a delicious, savory bread. Here’s a recipe you can try:
Jalapeño and Cheese Sourdough Bread
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute 1 cup with whole wheat for a heartier flavor)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to help with the fermentation process)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both work well)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, or keep them for extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for added flavor)
For the Topping (optional):
- Additional cheese for topping the bread (optional)
- Jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, olive oil, and sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Add in the flour and salt. Mix until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dry.
- Once combined, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until it has doubled in size. If you have time, you can also let it rise in the fridge overnight for a slower fermentation.
3. Incorporate Jalapeños and Cheese:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder (if using), and cilantro or green onions over the dough. Gently fold and knead the dough for another 2-3 minutes to incorporate the ingredients evenly into the dough. You can fold it in layers, then roll it up and twist to ensure everything is well-distributed.
4. Shape the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a Dutch oven if you prefer a crustier finish.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 1-2 hours, until it has puffed up again.
6. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a Dutch oven, preheat the Dutch oven in the oven for about 30 minutes to get it hot.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Before baking, make a few shallow slashes on the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade. This will allow the bread to expand beautifully while baking.
- If you’re baking in a Dutch oven, place the dough inside and cover with the lid. If using a regular baking sheet, place the dough in the oven directly.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a Dutch oven, you may want to remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to brown and crisp up.
8. Optional Topping:
- If you want to add extra cheese and jalapeño slices on top, sprinkle some shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños on the bread about 10 minutes before the bread is finished baking, and return it to the oven to melt and slightly brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy your Jalapeño and Cheese Sourdough Bread as a side with soups, stews, or as a flavorful snack on its own!
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeños based on how spicy you want the bread. You can also remove the seeds to reduce the heat.
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a more melty texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This bread is great on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a dipping sauce, spread with butter, or as a base for a savory sandwich.
Enjoy the warm, cheesy, and spicy flavors of this Jalapeño and Cheese Sourdough Bread! Perfect for those who love a little heat in their bread
