Jalapeno Cheese Swirl Bread

After months of not being able to find yeast, I finally found a couple packets and snagged them. Baking fresh bread is super relaxing for me and I so needed to make a loaf. I’ve been stressed about making a decision for what my kids would do when they returned to school and needed to take some frustration out on bread. There’s nothing like a good bread kneading 🙂

I picked up a few jalapenos at the farm stand and had planned to make salsa, but my tomatoes were water logged and splitting. I haven’t had much luck with my garden this year. Anyway, I decided to make a loaf of jalapeno cheese swirl bread. This braided bread is packed full of pieces of jalapenos and cheddar cheese. It’s delicious warm and enjoyed with a cup of chili.

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup milk

3 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 Tbsp sugar

1 packet active dry yeast

1 egg

1 tsp garlic powder

1 jalapeno, minced

2 1/2 cups colby jack and cheddar cheese, shredded

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 2 cups of flour and salt. In a medium saucepan, add the water, milk and butter. Heat to lukewarm and the butter has melted. The temperature should be between 110-115 degrees. Add the sugar and yeast. Stir and allow to bloom for 10 minutes. Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Pour the yeast mixture into the stand mixer bowl and add in the egg. Stir the mixture with a dough hook until combined. Slowly add in the remaining cup of flour and mix until the a bowl of dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for a a few minutes. Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to a 10×14 rectangle. Sprinkle the garlic powder over the dough and then evenly spread the minced jalapeno and cheese. Starting at the long-end of the dough, tightly roll the dough. Using a knife, cut the roll of dough into two, leaving about an inch uncut at one end. Start braiding the dough with the cut side out. Carefully transfer the loaf to the prepared pan. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Remove from the pan and slice.

Source: Let’s Dish Recipes