Ingredients:
IN A MEDIUM MIXING BOWL ADD:
3 ½ cups bread flour (I used regular flour + 1 teaspoon baking powder)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used 2 cups sharp cheddar)
1 large jalapeño (I used 3 because we like it extra spicy, but use your own judgement here)
Toss gently to mix
IN A LARGE MIXING BOWL ADD:
2 cups warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
Stir to dissolve
SET ASIDE FOR TOPPING:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used 4 slices of sharp cheddar cut in half diagonally as they stay on better)
1 sliced fresh jalapeño (For the topping I used sliced jarred jalapeños as I like them seasoned)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Add the ingredients in the medium bowl (bread flour or flour and baking powder, salt, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño) to the large bowl (warm water and instant yeast).
Use a spatula to mix until no streaks of flour are left.
Step 2:
Next, fold the dough using spatula 8-10 times.
I sprinkled a little flour on to the counter and kneaded it for about 3-4 minutes.
It was easier and I also added about ½ cup more flour as it was too sticky.
You’ll have to use your own judgement here.
Step 3:
Next, put back into bowl, cover with a clean towel, and then let it rise for 1 hour.
Step 4:
After one hour fold again 8-10 times or knead again for 3-4 minutes, return to bowl, cover it, and let it rise again for an additional hour*.
*About halfway through this rise preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then add your Dutch oven and cover to heat up in the oven.
Step 5:
Put a large piece of parchment paper on counter.
It should be a little larger than the Dutch oven. (See my pic)
Step 6:
When dough is done rising, form a ball and pinch together underneath.
Put the ball of bread dough on the parchment paper, spray the dough with oil to help browning, add the cheese (or easier, the cheese slices) and sliced jalapeños to the outside.
Step 7: Be extremely careful on this next part.
Open the oven and lift lid of Dutch oven (It will be extremely hot, so please use insulated gloves!) and put the dough and parchment paper in the Dutch oven and cover it. (Remember the lid will be hot)
Bake the bread (with lid on) for 30 minutes at 450 degrees. (Set a timer) After 30 minutes open the oven and remove the lid (HOT!) and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until desired browning is achieved.
It took me an additional 5 minutes, but this will vary.
Step 8:
Remove Dutch oven (It will be very hot, so don’t put directly on the counter as it will leave a mark)
Step 9:
Remove bread to rack and cool for 1-2 hours before slicing.
Enjoy!!
