Jalapeño & Pepperoni Cheese Loaf
Spicy, cheesy, and snackable, this Jalapeño & Pepperoni Cheese Loaf is what happens when comfort food gets an upgrade. Packed with melty cheddar, crispy bits of pepperoni, and diced jalapeno, it’s the kind of loaf you’ll want to eat warm, cold, or standing over the sink to catch the crumbs. No judgment.
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
- 1 cup (234g) warm water (105-110 degrees F)
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 3 cup (360g) bread flour (or all purpose)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 medium jalapeno, diced
- 1 cup pepperonis, sliced thinly
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the water, yeast, and sugar. Wisk together and allow the yeast to bloom and bubble. This should take about 5 minutes. If you do not see any bubbles, you will have to start over with fresh yeast.
- Once the yeast has bloomed, add the flour and salt. Using a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on the stand mixer, mix until combined and the dough comes together in a ball, and no longer sticks to the side of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let proof for 3 hours or until it doubles in size.
- In the meantime, slice up your pepperonis, jalapeño's, and shred your cheese if you are using a block. Set aside for later.
- After the dough has doubled in size, remove the dough from the bowl and place onto a floured surface. Roll out into a 9x6 inch long rectangle. Place half of your ingredients in a even layer onto the dough. Fold over, roll out, and add the remaining ingredients. Lastly, fold the dough again and place into a 9x6 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 1-2 more hours, or until the bread looks puffy.
- Before baking, cut a slit down the middle of the loaf, drizzle the olive oil over the loaf, and bake for 40-45 minutes at 400 degrees ℉, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer using honey, you can sub out the sugar at equal parts for honey.
- Turkey pepperoni is a really great healthier alternative in this recipe.