Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf

Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf - A Spicy and Cheesy Delight!
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make bread recipe that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than this Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf! This savory bread is perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a fancy dinner party. With its spicy jalapeño and rich cheddar cheese, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients (serves 8):

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeño peppers
- 1 1/4 cups milk


Cooking Tips:

- Be sure to use cold butter when making the dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Use a sharp knife to dice the jalapeño peppers. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat level.
- Don't overmix the dough. This can result in a tough bread.
Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and jalapeño peppers.
5. Add the milk and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Appearance and Taste:
This Jalapeño Cheddar Loaf is a beautiful golden brown color with flecks of green from the diced jalapeño peppers. The bread has a slightly crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. The flavor is a perfect balance of spicy and cheesy, with just the right amount of heat from the jalapeño peppers. This bread is perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or chili.
Type of Dish: Savory Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Cheddar Cheese, Jalapeño Peppers