There's something irresistible about pulling a loaf of jalapeno cheddar sourdough from your oven - that moment when the kitchen fills with the aroma of tangy sourdough mingling with melted cheese and spicy peppers. I've been perfecting this recipe for years, and trust me, it's worth every minute of the process!
It's a flavor-packed masterpiece with pockets of gooey cheddar and the perfect kick of jalapeño heat. Whether you're an experienced sourdough baker or just starting your fermentation journey, this jalapeno cheddar sourdough bread delivers that artisanal quality you'd pay top dollar for at specialty bakeries. The contrast between the crackling crust and soft, chewy interior studded with spicy-cheesy goodness makes this loaf perfect for everything from sandwiches to simply enjoying with a swipe of butter.
Why You'll Love This Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
This recipe holds a special place in my heart - and not just because I'm slightly obsessed with all things sourdough! Unlike those bland grocery store loaves, this jalapeño cheddar sourdough creates the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and cheesy that's completely addictive. And while it looks impressive enough for The Pantry Mama herself to approve, it's actually quite forgiving for home bakers.
What makes this bread truly special is its versatility. Craving jalapeno cheddar sourdough bagels? You can adapt this dough! Looking for a lower-carb option with jalapeño cheddar sourdough calories in mind? You can make smaller rolls! I've even used King Arthur flour's techniques to perfect the hydration, giving you that perfect open crumb that sourdough enthusiasts dream about. When friends ask where they can find jalapeño cheddar sourdough near me, I just smile and hand them a warm slice from my own kitchen - that's how confident I am you'll love this recipe!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment For Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
- Storage
- What to Serve With Your Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough
- Top Tip
- My Grandmama's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough That Never Lets You Down
- Related
- Pairing
- Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
Ingredients
For this sourdough jalapeño cheddar bread, you'll need:
- Bread flour (I recommend King Arthur for consistent results)
- Filtered water (around 70% hydration)
- Active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- Sea salt
- Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (about 1½ cups)
- Ffresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust based on heat preference)
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preparing Your Starter (Night Before)
- Feed your sourdough starter the night before (or 8-12 hours before mixing your dough). Your starter should be active and bubbly, doubling in size within 6-8 hours.
- Test for readiness by dropping a small amount in water – it should float when it's ready to use.
Creating Your Dough Base (Morning, Day 1)
- Mix 350g filtered water with 100g active starter in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add 500g bread flour and mix using your hands or a dough whisk until no dry flour remains.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. This autolyse period allows the flour to fully hydrate.
- Sprinkle 10g salt over the dough and dimple it in with wet fingers.
- Perform your first stretch and fold: grab one edge of the dough, stretch up, and fold over the center. Rotate the bowl 90° and repeat until you've worked around the entire dough (4 total folds).
Incorporating Jalapeños and Cheddar (Still Morning, Day 1)
- Prep your add-ins by dicing jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and cutting cheddar into small cubes.
- Wait 30 minutes after your first stretch and fold, then flatten the dough gently.
- Scatter half the jalapeños and cheddar over the surface.
- Fold the dough over the add-ins, then add remaining jalapeños and cheddar.
- Perform another stretch and fold sequence to begin incorporating the ingredients.
Bulk Fermentation (Afternoon, Day 1)
- Complete three more sets of stretch and folds at 30-minute intervals, being gentle to avoid tearing the dough.
- Watch for visual cues – your jalapeño cheddar sourdough should become more elastic with visible cheese pockets forming.
- Allow the dough to rise until it's increased by approximately 50% in volume (usually 2-4 hours depending on kitchen temperature).
- Check for readiness by poking the dough with a wet finger – the indentation should slowly fill back in but not completely disappear.
Shaping Your Loaf (Late Afternoon/Evening, Day 1)
- Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface, being careful not to deflate it completely.
- Shape into a boule (round loaf) by gently folding the edges toward the center, then inverting so the seam side is down.
- Create tension by cupping your hands around the dough and gently pulling it toward you on an unfloured section of counter.
- Transfer the shaped dough to a floured banneton or a bowl lined with a well-floured kitchen towel, seam side up.
Cold Fermentation (Overnight, Day 1-2)
- Cover your banneton with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
- Refrigerate for 12-16 hours. This cold fermentation develops flavor complexity in your jalapeño cheddar sourdough while making the dough easier to handle.
Baking Day (Morning, Day 2)
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 45 minutes.
- Remove dough from refrigerator while oven preheats.
- Turn the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, seam side down.
- Score the top with a sharp blade or bread lame in your preferred pattern.
- Transfer carefully to the preheated Dutch oven using the parchment paper.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 450°F (230°C), remove the lid, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until deeply golden.
- Test for doneness – internal temperature should be 205-210°F (96-99°C).
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing (the hardest part!).
Substitutions
- For the flour: While bread flour gives the best structure for this sourdough cheddar jalapeño bread, you can use all-purpose in a pinch. For a heartier texture, substitute up to 100g with whole wheat.
- Cheese options: Aged cheddar provides the best flavor, but pepper jack works beautifully for extra heat in your cheesy sourdough.
- Heat adjustments: For a milder loaf, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños. For more fire, leave some in or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it dairy-free: Vegan cheese shreds can substitute, though they won't melt the same way.
- Creating sandwich bread: For jalapeño cheddar sourdough sandwich bread, shape into a sandwich loaf pan instead of a boule.
Variations
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions after bulk fermentation.
- Shape each portion into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.
- Refrigerate shaped bagels overnight.
- Boil in water with 1 tablespoon honey for 30 seconds per side before baking at 450°F for 20-25 minutes.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Focaccia
- Transfer your dough to a well-oiled baking sheet after bulk fermentation.
- Stretch gently to fill the pan, being careful not to deflate entirely.
- Press your fingertips into the dough to create the classic dimpled surface.
- Top with extra jalapeño slices, cheese, and a sprinkle of flaky salt before baking.
Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Sandwich Bread
- Shape your dough into a log after bulk fermentation.
- Place in a greased loaf pan for the cold fermentation.
- Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes for a softer crust perfect for sandwiches.
Equipment For Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
- Dutch Oven (5-7 quart) - This is the secret to achieving that incredible crackling crust. The enclosed environment traps steam during the first phase of baking, which is essential for proper crust development. Look for one that can withstand high temperatures (500°F/260°C).
- Digital Kitchen Scale - Sourdough bread requires precision. Measuring your ingredients by weight rather than volume ensures consistent results every time. Look for a scale that measures in grams and can register small increments.
- Banneton Proofing Basket - This gives your dough support while proofing and creates those beautiful rings on the crust. An 8-9 inch round banneton works perfectly for this recipe.
- Bread Lame or Sharp Razor - For scoring your dough before baking, which controls how it expands in the oven. A proper score can make the difference between a well-risen loaf and one that bursts unpredictably.
- Dough Scraper - Both bench and bowl scrapers are invaluable for handling high-hydration dough without it sticking to everything.
Storage
One of the most common questions I get is "How do I keep my jalapeño cheddar sourdough fresh?" Good news - this bread stores beautifully and can even be frozen for later enjoyment. Here's how to maintain that perfect texture and flavor:
Day 1-2: Countertop Storage
- Cool completely before storing (at least 4 hours) to prevent condensation and soggy crust.
- Store cut-side down on a cutting board, with the cut surface facing down to preserve moisture.
- Avoid plastic bags for the first day, as they'll soften that beautiful crusty exterior you worked so hard to achieve.
Days 2-4: Keep It Fresh
- Wrap in parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel, then place in a bread box or paper bag.
- Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it accelerates staling (the cheese in this bread does make refrigeration more necessary after day 3).
- Check for mold more frequently than with regular sourdough, as the jalapeños and cheese can affect shelf life.
For Longer Storage: Freezing
- Slice before freezing for easy single-serving portions (this is crucial for jalapeño cheddar sourdough sandwich bread).
- Double wrap in plastic wrap and then foil or place in freezer bags with air removed.
- Label and date each package (can be frozen for up to 3 months).
- Freeze day-old bread rather than fresh-baked for best results.
What to Serve With Your Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough
This spicy, cheesy sourdough is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are some perfect pairings that complement the flavor profile of this artisan bread:
Soups & Stews
The tangy, spicy notes of jalapeño cheddar sourdough make it the perfect dunking companion for:
- Hearty beef chili (the bread's heat amplifies the chili's flavors)
- Creamy tomato soup (the acidity balances the rich cheese in the bread)
- Corn chowder (sweet corn complements the jalapeño kick perfectly)
- Black bean soup (creates a complete protein when paired with the bread)
Breakfast Ideas
Start your day with a slice of this amazing bread:
- Toasted with a fried egg on top (the runny yolk soaking into the bread is heavenly)
- As the base for avocado toast with an extra sprinkle of cheese
- Alongside a vegetable frittata for a complete breakfast
- With a schmear of cream cheese for a bagel-like experience (perfect if you were searching for jalapeño cheddar sourdough bagels!)
Sandwich Combinations
The sturdy structure of this bread makes it ideal for hearty sandwiches:
- Smoked turkey with avocado and sprouts
- Grilled vegetables with hummus
- Cuban-style pressed sandwiches with ham and pickles
- BLT with a slather of spicy mayo
Top Tip
The single most important trick for successful jalapeño cheddar sourdough is to cube your cheese rather than shredding it. While it might seem intuitive to shred cheese for even distribution, cubes (about ¼-inch size) create those beautiful pockets of melted goodness throughout your bread.
Shredded cheese tends to disappear into the dough, while cubes maintain their integrity during baking, creating dramatic cheese pulls when you tear into your warm loaf. For extra insurance against cheese leakage, toss your cheese cubes in a tablespoon of flour before incorporating them into your dough – this helps them stay suspended in the bread rather than sinking to the bottom during proofing. This simple technique transforms your bread from merely cheesy to spectacularly Instagram-worthy!
My Grandmama's Magic Touch
My grandmother never measured anything when making her famous jalapeño cheddar sourdough bread. She'd laugh when I'd try to write down her recipe, saying, "The magic is in the handling, not the measuring." Her secret? She'd sprinkle a handful of cornmeal on the bottom of her cast-iron Dutch oven before baking, creating that perfect crispy bottom crust that The Pantry Mama would approve of.
What truly set Grandmama's sourdough cheddar jalapeño bread apart was how she'd brush the crust with melted butter mixed with a touch of honey right after baking. This simple step created a slight sweetness that beautifully balanced the heat of the jalapeños. When neighbors would ask where to find jalapeño cheddar sourdough near them, she'd just smile and hand them a warm loaf.
FAQ
When to add jalapeño cheddar to sourdough?
Add jalapeños and cheddar during the second set of stretch and folds, about 1 hour into the bulk fermentation process. This timing allows the dough to develop some initial strength before incorporating the add-ins. Spread half your diced jalapeños and cubed cheese over the flattened dough, fold it over, add the remaining half, then continue with your stretch and fold sequence. This method ensures even distribution throughout the loaf without compromising gluten development.
What to serve with jalapeno cheddar sourdough bread?
Jalapeño cheddar sourdough pairs beautifully with hearty soups (especially tomato or chili), scrambled eggs for breakfast, as a base for avocado toast, or alongside a cheese board with honey and fruit preserves. It makes exceptional grilled cheese sandwiches and elevates a simple bowl of soup into a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside roasted chicken or as an accompaniment to a fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette.
Is it better to use fresh or pickled jalapenos in sourdough?
Fresh jalapeños generally work better in sourdough as they provide cleaner flavor and better texture. Pickled jalapeños contain additional moisture and vinegar that can affect fermentation and create soggy pockets in your crumb. If you only have pickled jalapeños available, drain them thoroughly and pat dry before using, and consider reducing the recipe's water content by about 15g to compensate for the extra moisture.
What cheese is best with sourdough?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for jalapeño sourdough because it provides excellent flavor and melts beautifully without completely disappearing into the crumb. Other excellent options include Gruyère (for a nutty flavor), pepper jack (for extra heat), or a combination of cheeses. Avoid pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents) and soft cheeses like mozzarella (which can make the dough too wet). Whatever cheese you choose, cube it rather than shredding for the best pockets of melted goodness throughout your loaf.
Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough That Never Lets You Down
I hope this jalapeño cheddar sourdough recipe inspires you to create something truly special in your kitchen! There's nothing quite like the pride of pulling your own artisan loaf from the oven, especially one with spicy-cheesy goodness in every bite.
If you make this bread, I'd love to see your results! Share a photo in the comments below or tag me on social media. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Tom Cruise Coconut Cake, Puff Pastry Apple Tart, or Amish Baked Custard, for more sourdough adventures. Happy baking, friends – may your crust be crispy and your crumb be perfect!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
Equipment
- Dutch Oven (5-7 quart) (Creates steam for a crispy crust)
- Digital Kitchen Scale (Ensures precise ingredient measurements)
- Banneton Proofing Basket (Helps shape and support the dough)
- Bread Lame or Razor Blade (For scoring the dough before baking)
- Dough Scraper (Helps handle high-hydration dough)
- Mixing bowl (For combining ingredients)
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap (To cover dough during fermentation)
- Parchment paper (For easy transfer into the Dutch oven)
Ingredients
- 500 g Bread Flour - King Arthur recommended
- 350 g Filtered Water - 70% hydration
- 100 g Active Sourdough Starter - 100% hydration
- 10 g Sea Salt
- 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Cubed, not shredded
- 2-3 whole whole Fresh Jalapeños - Seeded and diced (adjust for heat)
- Cornmeal - Optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Feed your sourdough starter 8-12 hours before mixing the dough. It should double in size and pass the float test.
- In a large bowl, combine 350g water and 100g active starter. Stir to mix.
- Mix in 500g bread flour until no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).
- Sprinkle 10g salt over dough, dimple in with wet fingers.
- Perform four stretch-and-folds at 90° intervals.
- Wait 30 minutes.
- Dice jalapeños, cube cheddar.
- Flatten dough, scatter half the cheese and jalapeños, fold over, repeat with remaining half.
- Perform another stretch-and-fold to distribute evenly.
- Perform three more stretch-and-folds, 30 minutes apart.
- Allow the dough to increase by 50% in volume (2-4 hours).
- Lightly flour a surface, shape into a round loaf, and place into a banneton, seam side up.
- Cover with a cloth and refrigerate for 12-16 hours.
- Heat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a Dutch oven inside for 45 minutes.
- Turn dough onto parchment paper, score with a bread lame.
- Place in Dutch oven, cover, and bake at 500°F for 20 minutes.
- Lower temperature to 450°F and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- Bread should have an internal temperature of 205-210°F (96-99°C).
- Let bread cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
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