This Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is a delicious and savory quick bread that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of onion powder. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and no kneading required.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Flavorful and Spicy: This bread has a wonderful balance of flavors, with the sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños complementing each other perfectly.
Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
Versatile: It’s delicious on its own, toasted with butter, or used for sandwiches or grilled cheese.
Crowd-Pleaser: This bread is always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our bread batter.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the bread.
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: I use shredded cheddar cheese for its sharp flavor and melty texture.
Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño adds a spicy kick.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
Herby Twist: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like chives or parsley.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking. If you prefer a milder bread, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before dicing it.
Cornbread: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cornmeal for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan. Line the pan with a piece of parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, salt, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Then, add the melted butter and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, garnish the top of the dough with jalapeño slices. Bake for 60-80 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the bread at the 45-minute mark to see if it needs to be covered with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it to finish cooling on a wire rack. You can also enjoy the bread warm!

Tips and Tricks

Even Baking: Make sure the oven rack is in the center of the oven for even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread tough.
Cooling Time: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing will prevent it from crumbling.

How to Serve

This Jalapeño Cheddar Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

Butter or Cream Cheese: A classic pairing!
Soup or Chili: This bread is a great accompaniment to soups and chili.
Sandwiches: Use it for grilled cheese sandwiches or other savory sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can bake the bread a day ahead of time and store it at room temperature.
Storing: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread for up to 2 months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this bread because of its sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I make this bread less spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder bread, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before dicing it. You can also use a milder variety of pepper, such as a poblano pepper.

Can I make this bread in a different shape?
Yes, you can bake this bread in a muffin tin for individual servings or in a round cake pan for a different look. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Bread. I hope you enjoy it!

Jalapeño Cheddar Bread Recipe