Looking to elevate your bread game? This Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread Recipe combines the perfect balance of spice and creaminess with a golden, crisp crust and fluffy interior. Packed with vegan cheddar and zesty jalapeños, this bread is perfect for a cozy snack, a dinner side, or a show-stopping addition to your meal. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll enjoy bakery-style bread straight from your oven. Ready to bake something unforgettable? Let’s get started!
Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1½ cups water room temperature (at or near 70°F/21°C)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3½ cups bread flour plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
For the Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup vegan cheddar cheese cut into ¼ x ½-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup sliced pickled jalapeños drained and patted dry with a paper towel
Instructions
Mixing the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon active dry yeast. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to dissolve.
- Add 3½ cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl. Stir until the ingredients are just combined into a shaggy dough.
- Gently fold in the vegan cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Resting the Dough
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight), until it doubles in size and forms bubbles on the surface.
Shaping the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean work surface and your hands.
- Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and loosely cover it with a towel. Let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
Preheating the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot (with the lid) inside the oven while it heats.
Baking the Bread
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven and place the parchment paper with the dough inside.
- Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Cooling and Serving
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve your warm and flavorful vegan jalapeño cheese artisan bread as a snack, side, or part of a meal!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled ones?
Yes, you can! Fresh jalapeños work well, but make sure to remove the seeds for less heat. Dice them finely and pat them dry to prevent extra moisture in the dough.
2. What can I use instead of vegan cheddar cheese?
You can substitute vegan cheddar with any meltable vegan cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you don’t want chunks of cheese.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free bread flour blend specifically designed for yeast-based recipes. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different.
4. How do I prevent my bread from sticking to the Dutch oven?
Use a piece of parchment paper under the dough to prevent sticking. Make sure your Dutch oven is preheated before adding the dough.
5. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Alternatively, use a food thermometer—bread is fully baked when the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).