vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe

Have you ever tried baking a loaf of bread that’s both spicy and cheesy, yet completely vegan? If you’re skeptical about vegan bread having the same delicious, comforting qualities as traditional versions, this vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe will change your mind! With a rich, savory flavor from the jalapenos and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, these 7 tips will guide you to the perfect loaf of vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread. So, are you ready to learn how to create this irresistible bread at home? Let’s dive in!

Overview

This vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe is a perfect blend of flavor and texture. The bread is soft on the inside, slightly crunchy on the outside, with a zesty kick from the jalapenos and the creamy richness of vegan cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for sandwiches, served with soups, or just enjoyed on its own with a little vegan butter.

Time Requirement:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour (total for the first and second rise)
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate – This recipe involves some basic bread-making skills such as kneading and proofing dough, but with the right tips and patience, it’s very achievable for most bakers.

Essential Ingredients

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this recipe stand out. These are the key elements that bring flavor, texture, and the perfect vegan twist to your artisan bread:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of this bread, providing structure and a soft crumb. You can also use whole wheat flour for added nutrition, but the texture may be denser.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise and gives the bread that fluffy texture we all love. Be sure to check the expiration date of your yeast for the best results.
Vegan Cheddar Cheese: Look for high-quality vegan cheddar for that rich, cheesy flavor. Shredded vegan cheddar melts beautifully and integrates into the bread for creamy pockets of cheesy goodness.
Jalapenos: These provide the perfect amount of heat and flavor to your bread. You can adjust the number of jalapenos based on how spicy you like your bread. Be sure to remove the seeds for a milder heat.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and a slight richness to the bread, making it soft and tender. You can substitute it with other oils like coconut oil or avocado oil for different flavors.
Non-Dairy Milk (Almond, Soy, Oat): This adds some liquid to the dough without compromising the vegan aspect of the recipe.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps activate the yeast, making sure your bread rises perfectly.
Salt: For flavor and to control the yeast’s activity, ensuring your bread doesn’t rise too quickly.

vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe

Substitutions and Variations:

Flour Substitutes: You can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if needed.
Cheese Substitutes: Try a different type of vegan cheese, like smoked gouda or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Spices: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a little cumin for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how you can create the perfect loaf of vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm non-dairy milk (around 110°F) with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step is important to make sure the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt.
Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast is foamy, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Pour this into the flour mixture.
Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to form.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour as needed.
When the dough is smooth and elastic, it’s ready for the first rise.

Step 5: Add Jalapenos and Vegan Cheese

Chop 1-2 fresh jalapenos (removing the seeds if you prefer a milder heat) and add them along with 1 cup of shredded vegan cheddar cheese to the dough.
Gently fold the cheese and jalapenos into the dough without overworking it.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7: Shape and Second Rise

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round loaf.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Assembly Tips for the Perfect Loaf

When assembling your vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Handling the Dough: Be gentle when adding the jalapenos and cheese to avoid deflating the dough.
Shape Matters: You can shape your bread into a boule (round loaf) or a bâtard (oval shape) depending on your preference. A round shape creates a traditional artisan look.
Scoring the Top: Before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough. This helps control how the bread rises and creates a beautiful crust.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Here’s how to keep your bread fresh and flavorful:

Storage: Store your vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or foil for extra freshness.
Freezing: If you have extra bread, slice it and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply toast the slices or warm them in the oven.
Reheating: To keep the crust crispy, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with your vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe:

Add Other Veggies: Mix in finely chopped onions, garlic, or even corn for extra texture and flavor.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or thyme can complement the jalapenos and cheddar for a more vibrant flavor profile.
Make it Spicier: Add more jalapenos or throw in some cayenne pepper for an added heat kick.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking! This vegan jalapeno cheddar artisan bread recipe is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of soup or as part of a sandwich, its spicy, cheesy goodness will shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own – the possibilities are endless!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, and you may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum.

2. How can I store leftover bread?

Store the bread in a paper bag or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze the bread and reheat it when ready to serve.

3. Can I add more jalapenos for extra heat?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of jalapenos, but remember that the seeds are where most of the heat lies, so you can control the spice level by adjusting the number of seeds.