Craving a flavorful, plant-based bread that packs a punch? Look no further! This vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe delivers a delightful combination of spicy jalapenos and cheesy goodness in a crusty, homemade loaf. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or serving alongside your favorite soups and stews. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious bread!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Jalapeno Cheese Artisan Bread
This recipe stands out for several reasons. Chiefly, it’s entirely plant-based, making it accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, it offers a unique flavor profile that combines the heat of jalapenos with the creamy, cheesy taste – all within the delightful texture of artisan bread. Eventually, you will find it to be a satisfying and delicious addition to your baking repertoire.
- Flavorful Kick: The fresh jalapenos add a pleasant spiciness that is balanced by the vegan cheese.
- Crusty Texture: The artisan bread-making process creates a wonderfully crisp crust.
- Plant-Based: This recipe is entirely vegan, therefore suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
- Impressive: Homemade artisan bread always impresses, especially with such a unique flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or sandwich bread.
Key Ingredients
The success of this vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe hinges on the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Therefore, choosing the right components is important.
- Bread Flour: 3 cups (360g) – Provides structure and chewiness.
- Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup (120g) – Adds a nutty flavor and enhances the texture.
- Instant Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons (6g) – Helps the bread rise properly.
- Salt: 2 teaspoons (12g) – Enhances the flavor and controls the yeast.
- Warm Water: 1 ¾ cups (420ml) – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
- Vegan Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: 1 ½ cups (150g) – Adds cheesy flavor and texture.
- Jalapenos, Diced: 2-3 medium (adjust to your spice preference) – Provides the spicy kick.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Optional: Vegan Butter, Melted: 2 tablespoons for brushing on the crust (30ml) – Creates a golden, flavorful crust.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour: Bread flour is recommended for its high protein content, consequently leading to a better rise.
- Yeast: Instant dry yeast is easy to use; hence you can add it directly to the flour.
- Vegan Cheese: Choose a vegan cheddar that melts well for optimal results.
- Jalapenos: Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe. Therefore, each step is important for the final result.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Afterward, add the warm water and olive oil.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Moreover, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Jalapenos
Punch down the dough gently. Afterward, on a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough into a rectangle. Then, sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese and diced jalapenos evenly over the dough.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
Roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll. Afterwards, tuck the ends under to form a loaf. Place the loaf seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes. Consequently, it should be puffy but not doubled.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Moreover, place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven if you have one, as this helps create a crispier crust.
Step 8: Score the Bread
Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the loaf with 2-3 diagonal slashes. Explicitly, this allows the bread to expand properly during baking.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Meanwhile, if the crust is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Finally, brush the crust with melted vegan butter (optional) for added flavor and shine.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Jalapeno Cheese Artisan Bread
Here are some tips to ensure your vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe turns out perfectly every time. Therefore, consider these points while baking.
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately.
- Warm Water: Ensure the water is warm (105-115°F or 40-46°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Rising Time: Adjust the rising time based on your room temperature. Warmer environments will result in faster rising.
- Scoring: Scoring the bread prevents it from cracking unevenly during baking.
- Baking Stone: Using a baking stone helps to create a crispier crust.
- Cooling: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Therefore, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Sandwiches: Use it as a flavorful base for your favorite vegan sandwiches.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside soups, stews, or chili.
- Snack: Enjoy a slice on its own or with vegan butter.
- Grilled Cheese: Make a delicious vegan grilled cheese sandwich with it.
- Croutons: Cube the bread and bake it into flavorful croutons for salads.
If you love making homemade bread, you might also enjoy whipping up a batch of crispy, golden waffles for a delicious breakfast treat!
Storing Your Vegan Jalapeno Cheese Artisan Bread
Proper storage helps maintain the quality and freshness of your vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe. Therefore, follow these tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in a breadbox or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To refresh the bread, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here is an estimate of the nutritional information per slice of this vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe. Therefore, note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 220 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 6g |
Health Benefits
While this vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe is a treat, it also offers some potential health benefits. Furthermore, consider these advantages:
- Fiber: Whole wheat flour provides dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
- Plant-Based: Being vegan, it is free from cholesterol and lower in saturated fat compared to traditional cheese bread.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Whole wheat flour contains essential vitamins and minerals.
- Spicy Boost: Jalapenos contain capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and metabolism-boosting properties.
Possible Bread Variations
Adjust the vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe to suit your taste preferences. Furthermore, consider these variations for a unique twist:
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other vegan cheese varieties, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano into the dough.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the heat. For a milder flavor, use pickled jalapenos.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Seeds: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top of the loaf before baking.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues
Even with the best recipes, baking can sometimes present challenges. Therefore, here are solutions to common problems you might encounter with this vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe:
- Bread Doesn’t Rise: Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm enough. Also, the room may be too cold.
- Dough is Too Sticky: Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
- Crust is Too Hard: Tent the bread with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Bread is Gummy: Ensure the bread is cooled completely before slicing.
- Uneven Baking: Rotate the bread halfway through baking for even browning.
Understanding Artisan Bread Baking Techniques
Artisan bread baking involves specific techniques that contribute to the unique texture and flavor of the bread. Therefore, understanding these techniques is essential:
- Autolyse: Mixing the flour and water and letting it rest before adding the yeast. Consequently, this improves the dough’s texture and extensibility.
- Bulk Fermentation: The first rise, where the dough develops flavor and structure.
- Shaping: Gently shape the dough to maintain its airiness.
- Proofing: The second rise, which allows the shaped dough to rise further.
- Scoring: Making cuts on the surface of the bread to control expansion during baking.
How to adapt this recipe for different dietary needs
Adapt this recipe to suit various dietary requirements. Chiefly, focus on substitutions and adjustments that maintain the bread’s texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making. Moreover, add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the texture.
- Lower Sodium: Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. Also, use low-sodium vegan cheese.
- Oil-Free: Omit the olive oil from the dough. Instead, use a small amount of water to keep the dough moist.
FAQs about Vegan Jalapeno Cheese Artisan Bread Recipe
Does jalapeno cheese bread need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate jalapeno cheese bread, especially if it contains fresh ingredients and lacks preservatives. Proper refrigeration helps to extend its freshness and prevent spoilage. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to maintain its moisture and flavor.
What to do with jalapeno cheese bread?
Jalapeno cheese bread is incredibly versatile. You can use it for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or as a side with soups and stews. It’s also delicious toasted with butter or dipped in olive oil. Get creative and use it as a base for bruschetta or as a component in a savory bread pudding.
What to serve with jalapeño sourdough?
Jalapeño sourdough pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside hearty soups like chili or tomato soup. It also complements creamy dips such as guacamole or vegan queso. For a full meal, serve it with grilled vegetables or a spicy black bean burger to enhance the jalapeño flavor.
When to add cheese to sourdough bread dough?
The best time to add cheese to sourdough bread dough is during the shaping process, after the bulk fermentation. Gently flatten the dough, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the surface, and then shape the dough as desired. This ensures that the cheese is distributed throughout the loaf without inhibiting the rise.
Elevate your baking skills now
Ready to bake the ultimate vegan bread? This vegan jalapeno cheese artisan bread recipe is your ticket to a delicious and impressive homemade loaf. Furthermore, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy and cheesy flavors. Happy baking!
Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Sharp Knife or Lame
- Wire rack
- Baking Stone or Pizza Stone (Optional)
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 3 cups Bread Flour (360g)
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour (120g)
- 2 teaspoons Instant Dry Yeast (6g)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (12g)
- 1.75 cups Warm Water (420ml, 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
Vegan Additions
- 1.5 cups Vegan Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (150g)
- 2-3 medium Jalapenos, Diced (adjust to your spice preference, remove seeds and membranes for milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (15ml)
Optional
- 2 tablespoons Vegan Butter, Melted (30ml, for brushing on the crust)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Afterward, add the warm water and olive oil.
- Knead the Dough Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.
- First Rise Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours (60-90 minutes), or until doubled in size.
- Incorporate Cheese and Jalapenos Punch down the dough gently. On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese and diced jalapenos evenly over the dough.
- Shape the Bread Roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll. Tuck the ends under to form a loaf. Place the loaf seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes. It should be puffy but not doubled.
- Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven if you have one.
- Score the Bread Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the loaf with 2-3 diagonal slashes.
- Bake the Bread Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
- Cool and Enjoy Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Brush the crust with melted vegan butter (optional) for added flavor and shine.