Jalapeño Cheddar Twist Bread

If you love the spicy kick of jalapeños combined with the creamy richness of cheddar cheese, this Jalapeño Cheddar Twist Bread is the perfect treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch, need a delightful side for your dinner, or simply want to impress family and friends with something special, this flavorful twist on bread is a guaranteed hit. The ingredients and step-by-step directions will guide you through making this delicious loaf that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat water, milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Allow the mixture to cool slightly if it exceeds 115°F.
2. Activate the Yeast:
   Stir the sugar and yeast into the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. Mix the Dough:
   Pour the yeast mixture and an egg into the flour mixture. Using the dough hook attachment of the stand mixer, mix until everything is combined. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead and Rest:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
5. Shape the Bread:
   Roll out the dough into a rectangle, roughly 10×14 inches. Sprinkle the surface evenly with garlic salt, minced jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Form the Twist:
   Roll the dough into a log from the longer edge. Slice the log vertically to create two separate ropes. Twist these two ropes together and place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan.
7. Let It Rise:
   Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 40-50 minutes until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
9. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy jalapeño flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Jalapeño Cheddar Twist Bread is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Its delicious flavors are perfectly suited for any meal or gathering. Serve it with a dip or spread, or simply enjoy it on its own. Happy baking!