Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread Recipe
If you love melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness with a bit of a spicy kick, this Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a loaf, brimming with pockets of gooey cheddar, flecks of bright green jalapeño, and the most satisfying, golden-crisp crust. Every bite is soft, cheesy, and perfectly spiced—ideal for sharing around the table or tearing into all by yourself. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any brunch, potluck, or weeknight dinner, and it’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh add-ins work magic in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible color throughout your Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, providing structure and that tender, pull-apart texture.
- Baking powder: This gives the bread its beautiful lift and a soft crumb that’s not too dense.
- Baking soda: Helps balance the acidity of the buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every cheesy, savory note.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory layer, making every bite extra flavorful.
- Black pepper: A mild heat that supports the jalapeño without overpowering it.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and ensures the bread is ultra-tender.
- Buttermilk: The secret to moistness and a gentle tang that complements the cheese.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, melting into glorious cheese pockets throughout the loaf.
- Jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped): For a little heat, color, and crunch in every mouthful.
- Fresh chives (optional): Adds a pop of fresh, oniony flavor and a touch of green—worth it if you have them.
- Melted butter (for brushing): Brushed over the top for glossy appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
How to Make Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a touch of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread releases easily with that satisfying golden crust intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This not only evenly distributes your leaveners but also infuses the bread with a subtle savory base that brings all the flavors together.
Step 3: Add Buttermilk and Melted Butter
Pour in the buttermilk and melted butter, then stir gently until a thick, slightly shaggy batter forms. Mixing just until combined will keep the crumb tender—overmixing can make the bread tough, so aim for a lumpy, just-blended look.
Step 4: Fold in Cheese, Jalapeños, and Chives
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and fresh chives if using. As you mix, you’ll notice the batter dotted with vibrant green and golden flecks—the signature look of this bread!
Step 5: Shape and Layer the Dough
Using your hands or a spoon, separate the dough into rustic clumps or small balls. Drop them loosely into your prepared pan, layering so that cheese and jalapeños peek through all over. The irregular shapes help the bread pull apart easily and create extra crispy edges.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the top with melted butter, then slide your pan into the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is deeply golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma will have everyone heading to the kitchen before you even call them!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread cool for 10–15 minutes to set, then gently remove from the pan. Serve warm, so every chunk is perfectly cheesy and pillowy. It’s bread you’ll be anxious to dive into the moment it hits the table.
How to Serve Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle extra chopped chives, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or an extra dusting of cheddar over the top just after baking. If you want to amp up the heat, a few sliced fresh jalapeños arranged over the loaf make for a spicy, Instagram-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is heavenly alongside hearty dishes like chili, creamy tomato soup, or even a fresh green salad. It’s also fabulous on a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and crisp bacon, making every meal feel a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, arrange the bread on a rustic wooden board, allowing everyone to grab a piece as they pass by. For parties, bake individual mini loaves in muffin tins, or cut the baked loaf into big, shareable chunks—it’s crowd-pleasing finger food at its best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s better to refrigerate, where it will stay fresh for three to four days without losing its flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap slices or the entire loaf snugly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for that “just baked” experience.
Reheating
For the meltiest cheese and best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes. If you’re in a rush, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, but the oven method helps revive that glorious, slightly crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its flavor and melt factor, but you could also try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a combo for an extra cheesy bite. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well or have too high a moisture content.
How spicy is the bread?
The bread has a gentle, pleasant heat—but you completely control the spicy level. Removing all jalapeño seeds keeps it mild, but leaving some in or adding a pinch of cayenne will turn up the heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
Can I make Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute a one-to-one gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get that cheesy, spicy deliciousness in every piece.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using—it offers that same tang and tenderness to your bread.
Is this bread good for making ahead?
Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is best fresh, but it keeps very well. Bake it a day in advance, cool completely, then reheat before serving. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers especially tasty!
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite for every occasion. Whether you bake it for a gathering or a cozy night in, you’ll love the cheesy, slightly spicy flavor and the way everyone can’t help but grab another piece. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s sure to become your next go-to, too!
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Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is a delightful savory quick bread packed with sharp cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of garlic, perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup buttermilk
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk and melted butter to form a thick batter.
- Include Mix-ins: Fold in cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and chives if desired.
- Assemble: Form dough into balls and place in the loaf pan, layering loosely.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For added heat, keep some jalapeño seeds or add cayenne to the mix.
- Best served warm and can be reheated in the oven.
- Pairs well with chili or soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
