Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, perfectly braided bread that combines the sharp tang of cheddar cheese with the bold kick of fresh jalapenos - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience! This Braided Jalapeno Cheddar Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a journey of taste that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet bakery and have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a bread-baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to elevate your bread game and impress even the most discerning food critics.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapenos, diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, heat 1 cup of milk until it is warm but not boiling (about 110°F or 43°C). Once warm, add the milk to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough begins to form.
- Crack 1 egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. Reserve a tablespoon of the beaten egg for egg wash later. Add the remaining egg to the dough mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1-2 diced jalapenos into the dough. Ensure that the cheese and jalapenos are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Roll each portion into long ropes, about 12-14 inches in length. Make sure they are even in thickness for a uniform braid.
- Lay the three ropes side by side on a greased baking sheet. Pinch the tops of the ropes together to secure them, then begin braiding by crossing the right rope over the center rope, followed by the left rope over the new center rope. Continue this process until you reach the end of the ropes.
- Once braided, pinch the ends of the ropes together to seal the braid. Tuck the ends underneath the loaf for a neat appearance.
- Brush the top of the braided loaf with the reserved beaten egg to give it a golden color when baked. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, let the braided loaf rest for about 15 minutes to rise slightly.
- Once preheated, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked Braided Jalapeno Cheddar Bread warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warm (around 110°F) - too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A smooth, elastic dough is key to a perfect texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works great.
- Cheese Distribution: Mix cheese and jalapenos thoroughly to ensure even flavor in every bite.
- Egg Wash Trick: For a gorgeous golden crust, brush the egg wash evenly and don't be shy about adding extra cheese on top.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to allow the interior to set and prevent gummy texture.Pro Tip: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Warm slightly before serving to revive its incredible flavor and soft texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
