Description

Cheddar Jalapeño Pull Apart Bread is a savory, cheesy quick bread packed with sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños, perfect for snacking or serving alongside chili or hearty soups. This easy-to-make bread features pull-apart dough balls brushed with butter and baked to golden perfection, delivering a delightful combination of melted cheese and heat in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Fillings and Toppings

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)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the buttermilk and melted butter into the dry mixture just until a thick batter forms, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Cheese and Jalapeños: Gently fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and fresh chives if using into the batter to evenly distribute the flavors.
Form and Layer Dough Balls: Using clean hands or a spoon, separate the dough into small balls or clumps and layer them loosely in the prepared loaf pan, making sure the cheese and jalapeños are visible throughout for even flavor.
Brush with Butter and Bake: Brush the top of the stacked dough balls with the melted butter to promote browning and bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the gooey, cheesy pull-apart texture at its best.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients.
This bread is best served warm and can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.
Pairs perfectly with chili, hearty soups, or as a savory snack on its own.