Jalapeno Cheddar Dutch Oven Bread

 Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large jalapeño, diced

For the topping:

• 1/3-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 10 round slices jalapeño (or more, to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, 2 cups cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeño.
2. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for a few minutes, until the yeast is dissolved.
3. Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
4. Use a spatula to fold the dough from the outside of the bowl towards the center, turning the bowl a little each time, until you've folded the dough in on itself 8-10 times.
5. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, punch down the dough and let it rise for another hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside, lid on.
8. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and turn out the dough onto it.
9. Fold the corners of the dough in towards the center, about 6-8 times, until a rough ball is formed.
10. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and score it with a sharp knife.
11. Sprinkle the dough with the remaining 1/3-1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the jalapeño slices.
12. carefully use the parchment paper to transfer the dough to the Dutch oven.
13. Put the lid on the Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
14. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
15. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing.

Tips:

• All-purpose flour may be used instead of bread flour, but the loaf may be denser.
• Canned or jarred jalapeños may be used instead of fresh.
• Active dry yeast may be used instead of instant, but be sure to let it sit in the warm water for a few minutes before adding the flour mixture.
• If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack. Place the baking sheet with the dough on the middle rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

Enjoy!