Chilli and Cheese Bread

How to make Jalapeño Chilli and Cheese Bread, simple step by step instructions from start to finish.

Ingredients

Method

  • 450g / 16¼oz Strong white bread flour
  • 324g / 324mls Lukewarm water / 40°C / 104°F
  • 100g / 3½oz mature/sharp cheese, extra for topping
  • 35g / 1¼oz Jalapeño or Mixed chillies
  • 4g / 1tsp Instant or active dried yeast
  • 8g / 1tsp Salt
  • 6g / 1tsp Sugar
  • Extra cheese for topping
  • Finely chop the chillies and weigh off the grated cheese.
  • Add the sugar to the warm water, and stir, once dissolved, add the yeast and stir it in thoroughly, set it aside for 10 minutes, until it activates.
  • Add the chillies, cheese and salt to the flour in a large mixing bowl, and mix together well.
  • Pour in the yeast mixture, and thoroughly mix until you have a sticky, shaggy dough.
  • Cover the bowl, and allow to proof for 45 minutes.
  • Turn the dough out onto a slightly wet surface, and fold the dough 4 or 5 times, with wet hands, place it back into the bowl, and proof for a further 45 minutes.
  • Once the time is up, repeat the previous procedure exactly.
  • Grease a large or 2 small baking trays.
  • After the 3rd 45-minute proof, turn out the dough onto a floured surface, and dived it into 2 pieces.
  • Form each piece into a bloomer shape, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  • Place the 2 loaves on the prepared baking trays, sprinkle on a little flour, cover with a lightweight dry cloth, and allow to proof and rise for 40 minutes.
  • When there’s only 10 minutes left on the proof, preheat your oven to 210°C / 410°F / of Gas mark 6/7, and place a tray of hot water, on the bottom shelf in the oven, the steam produced will give the loaves a crispy crust.
  • When the 40minute proofing time is up, score the loaves down the middle, using a razor blade, or bakers Lame.
  • Place the tray in the preheated oven, and set the timer for 20 minutes.
  • Once the time is up, remove the trays from the oven, add a little grated cheese on the top of each loaf, place them back in the oven, without the tray this time, and bake for a further 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and onto a wire rack and allow to cool for 15 minutes, before slicing and serving.
  • One of the loaves can be frozen soon as it has cooled from the oven, to use at a later date.
  • Enjoy

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