Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread

There’s something magical about fresh, homemade bread, but when you add gooey cheese and a spicy kick from jalapeños, it becomes something extraordinary. This Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving it as a fun appetizer for a party, a side dish for a family meal, or just indulging in a warm, satisfying treat on your own, this bread is a game-changer. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread

This bread is everything you could want in a savory snack: warm, cheesy, spicy, and perfectly pull-apart. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Versatile: Whether it’s a side for dinner, a snack for movie night, or the highlight of your next gathering, this bread fits every occasion.

Budget-Friendly: With basic ingredients like bread dough, cheese, and jalapeños, this recipe is affordable but feels so indulgent.

Quick and Easy: While it looks fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make, especially if you use store-bought dough! The hands-on prep is minimal, and the oven does the rest.

Customizable: Love extra heat? Add more jalapeños. Want it extra cheesy? Go ahead, layer in more cheddar. You can tweak this recipe to match your exact taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both cheese lovers and those who enjoy a little spice. It’s one of those dishes everyone will fight over, and there’s never a dull moment when this bread is around!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this cheesy, spicy delight:

Bread Dough: You can either use homemade dough or store-bought for convenience. Either way, it’s going to turn out beautifully.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is the star of the show. It melts perfectly and provides that rich, gooey goodness.

Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add the perfect amount of spice. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.

Butter: For brushing on the dough before baking. It helps the bread brown beautifully and adds a nice richness.

Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder gives this bread an extra layer of flavor that ties everything together.

Onion Powder: To complement the garlic and bring even more depth to the bread’s flavor.

Salt: A pinch of salt is all you need to bring out the flavors in the cheese, jalapeños, and dough.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break it down step by step to make this irresistible pull-apart bread:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and gets that golden, crispy crust.

Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, roll it out on a clean surface. Cut the dough into squares, about 2-3 inches each. If you’re using homemade dough, follow your usual preparation method.

Layer the Ingredients: Place a few cubes of cheddar cheese and slices of jalapeños between each dough square. Be generous with the cheese and jalapeños, making sure each piece gets its fair share.

Arrange the Dough: Stack the dough squares in a greased bundt pan or loaf pan, layering the cheesy, spicy squares as you go. Don’t worry about them being perfectly arranged—it’s all part of the rustic charm.

Season the Bread: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush this mixture generously over the stacked dough squares. This step adds flavor and helps the bread turn golden brown as it bakes.

Bake: Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-baking.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the bread cool slightly before serving so the cheese doesn’t burn your mouth. Once it’s cool enough to handle, tear off the warm, cheesy, and slightly spicy pieces and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread

This cheesy, spicy bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve as a side dish alongside a hearty soup or stew. It’s especially delicious with a rich tomato soup or a creamy potato soup.
• Enjoy it as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce—think ranch dressing, salsa, or a spicy chipotle aioli.
• Perfect for a party spread or game day! It’s easy to pull apart and share, making it a fun option for casual get-togethers.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Want a little extra flavor? Try adding some cooked bacon bits in between the layers of dough for a savory crunch.
• For a more mild version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce the heat.
• Make sure to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• If you don’t have a bundt pan, a loaf pan or even a regular baking dish will work—just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
• For a truly indulgent treat, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the bread just before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer a milder cheese.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.

3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bread. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

5. Can I use spicy cheese?
Yes, if you’re a fan of heat, try adding a spicy cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.

6. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread dough as a substitute for regular dough. Just be sure to check the instructions for any necessary adjustments.

7. How can I make this bread even spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture, or use a few more jalapeños for an extra heat boost.

8. Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade bread dough recipe, feel free to use it instead of store-bought dough.

9. How do I get the bread to pull apart easily?
Make sure to brush the butter mixture generously between the layers of dough and bake it long enough for the cheese to melt and glue everything together.

10. Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Feel free to sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top of the bread after it bakes for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Conclusion

Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is the ultimate cheesy, spicy comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or treating yourself to something extra special, this bread will never disappoint. With gooey cheese, spicy jalapeños, and buttery goodness, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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