vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe

Vegan Jalapeno Cheddar

Table of Contents

  • Flavor Explosion: Every bite delivers a punch of spice and cheesy goodness.
  • Plant-Based Delight: 100% vegan, making it ideal for plant-based eaters or those experimenting with meat-free options.
  • Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need to be an expert baker—this recipe includes step-by-step instructions.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a snack, a side dish, or even the star of your meal.

Imagine slicing into a loaf fresh out of the oven, the aroma of roasted jalapeños and melted vegan cheese filling your kitchen. Are you ready to get started?

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

To create this Vegan Jalapeño Cheddar Artisan Bread, you’ll need just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what makes this bread so special:

  • All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the bread. It gives the loaf structure and a chewy texture. You can also use bread flour for extra elasticity and a better rise.
  • Active Dry Yeast – Helps the bread rise and gives it a light, airy crumb. Instant yeast works as well, but adjust proofing times accordingly.
  • Vegan Cheddar Cheese – Provides the signature cheesy flavor. Opt for a meltable, high-quality vegan cheese for the best results.
  • Jalapeños – The star of the show! Fresh jalapeños add a spicy kick. You can seed them for a milder flavor or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
  • Olive Oil (optional) – Adds a touch of richness and helps the dough stay soft.

Substitutions and Variations

Not everyone has the same dietary needs or ingredient availability, so here are some substitutions and variations to make this recipe work for you:

  • Flour Alternatives: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free loaf. Keep in mind that these alternatives may affect the bread’s texture.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of vegan cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, to switch up the flavor.
  • Jalapeño Options: Swap out jalapeños for other peppers, like serrano (spicier) or poblano (milder), to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Add-Ins: Try folding in diced sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or caramelized onions for extra flavor dimensions.
Artisan Bread

Quick Ingredient Tips

  • Freshness Matters: Always use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and texture.
  • Expired yeast won’t allow the bread to rise properly.
  • Room Temperature Cheese: Let the vegan cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the dough. This helps it blend evenly.

With your ingredients ready to go, let’s move on to the tools you’ll need for baking this delicious bread.

Equipment Needed

Must-Have Tools

Making artisan bread doesn’t require a ton of fancy equipment, but a few key tools will make the process easier and ensure the best results:

Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls—one for mixing the dough and one for proofing it.

Dutch Oven: Essential for creating that perfect crispy crust by trapping steam during baking. If you don’t have one, a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid will work.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, so accurate measurements are important.

Proofing Basket (Optional): Also known as a banneton, this helps shape the dough and gives it a classic artisan bread look.

Parchment Paper: Prevents the dough from sticking to the pot or baking surface.

Optional Equipment

If you’re looking to elevate your bread-making game, consider these additional tools:

  • Scoring Blade (Lame): Used to make decorative slashes on the bread, allowing it to expand beautifully while baking. A sharp knife works as a substitute.
  • Kitchen Scale: For precise ingredient measurements, especially when substituting ingredients like gluten-free flour.
  • Silicone Baking Mat: A reusable and eco-friendly alternative to parchment paper.

Do I Really Need a Dutch Oven?

While a Dutch oven is ideal for baking artisan bread due to its heat retention and steam-trapping capabilities, you can still achieve great results using a baking stone or even a standard baking sheet with a pan of water in the oven for added steam.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the process of making this delicious Vegan Jalapeño Cheddar Artisan Bread. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a beautifully crusty loaf with a soft, cheesy, and spicy interior.

Preparing the Dough

Activate the Yeast

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 1/2 cups of warm water (around 110°F/43°C).
    (Tip: If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be inactive—restart with fresh yeast.)

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

Combine Wet and Dry

  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the yeast-water mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Add the Jalapeños and Vegan Cheese

  • Fold in 1/2 cup of finely diced jalapeños and 1 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed. The dough will be sticky—this is normal.

Hydrate the Dough

  • If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. If it’s overly wet, sprinkle in a little more flour. Aim for a sticky but manageable consistency.

First Proof and Shaping

Cover and Rest

  • Let the dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (or overnight).

Shape the Dough

  • Dust your work surface with flour. Gently turn the dough out onto the surface, being careful not to deflate it too much.
  • Shape it into a round ball by folding the edges toward the center, creating surface tension on the outer layer.

Prepare for the Final Proof

  • Place the shaped dough seam-side down into a floured proofing basket or a parchment-lined bowl. Cover and let it rest for 30–60 minutes until it slightly puffs up.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place your Dutch oven inside to heat up for at least 30 minutes.

Score the Bread

  • Using a scoring blade or sharp knife, make a few slashes on the top of the dough. This allows the bread to expand properly while baking.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Dense Bread: This could be due to under-proofing or expired yeast. Ensure the dough rises sufficiently before baking.
  • Burnt Crust: If the crust darkens too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or cover the bread with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking.
  • Sticky Dough: Wet dough is normal for artisan bread. Dust your hands and surface with flour to make handling easier.

FAQs

1. What makes Schlotzsky’s jalapeño cheese bread unique?
Schlotzsky’s jalapeño cheese bread stands out due to its soft yet slightly chewy texture, infused with jalapeños and melted cheese. The secret lies in the blend of tangy dough and spices used in their recipe. While this artisan bread is crustier, you can replicate the texture of Schlotzsky’s bread by incorporating a bit of sourdough starter and adding oil for softness.

How can I make a jalapeño sausage cheese bread recipe?
To make a jalapeño sausage cheese bread, follow the same steps as this recipe, but fold in diced vegan or plant-based sausage along with the jalapeños and vegan cheese. Be sure to use cooked sausage to ensure a safe and flavorful addition. This variation works well as a savory breakfast bread or a snack.

Can I substitute jalapeños for habaneros in this recipe?
Absolutely! For a spicier twist, you can create a habanero cheese bread by substituting diced habaneros for jalapeños. Keep in mind that habaneros are significantly hotter, so you may want to reduce the quantity and finely dice them for even heat distribution. Balance the heat with extra cheese for a delicious contrast.

4How do I make jalapeño cheddar bread using a bread maker?
Making jalapeño cheddar bread in a bread maker is simple:

Add the wet ingredients (water, olive oil) to the bread maker pan.

Add the dry ingredients (flour, salt, yeast) on top. Keep the yeast separate from the salt.

Add diced jalapeños and shredded vegan cheddar during the machine’s “add-ins” cycle (usually during kneading).

Select the “basic” or “white bread” setting and let the machine do the work!

How do I prevent the cheese from burning on the crust?
To avoid burning the cheese on the crust

  • Cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil during the final 10–15 minutes of baking.
  • Use a cheese that melts well but doesn’t brown too quickly, such as certain vegan cheddar brands.

6. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a baking stone or sheet. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam for a crispy crust. While the results won’t be identical to a Dutch oven, you’ll still achieve a delicious loaf.

Conclusion

This Vegan Jalapeño Cheddar Artisan Bread Recipe is a perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and crusty goodness. It’s ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy meal at home, or looking for a fun baking project.

What sets this bread apart is its versatility. You can customize the spice level, add your favorite plant-based cheeses, or even fold in extra ingredients like sausage or herbs to make it your own. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe ensures that bakers of all experience levels can achieve bakery-quality results.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. Trust us—once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!