Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough – Easy, Cheesy, Best Ever Bakery-Style Loaf

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Jalapeño cheddar sourdough loaf sliced showing cheddar pockets and jalapeño pieces

A crusty sourdough loaf loaded with cheddar and jalapeño pieces, sliced to show cheesy pockets.

This Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough is bold, cheesy, and so satisfying. You get a crackly crust, chewy crumb, and melty cheddar pockets with gentle heat. Pat jalapeños dry and add mix-ins during folds for the best shape and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough

Table of Contents show
  • Big savory flavor: Cheddar + jalapeño is a classic.
  • Better than bakery: Cheesy pockets and crisp crust.
  • Perfect for toasting: Toasting wakes up the cheese aroma.
  • Party-ready: Great on boards with dips.
  • Freezer-friendly: Slice and toast anytime.
  • Custom heat: Make it mild or spicy.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough

Jalapeño cheddar sourdough loaf sliced showing cheddar pockets and jalapeño pieces
Pantry staples and sourdough make this recipe shine
  • Active starter, flour, water, and salt: The sourdough base.
  • Sharp cheddar: Strong flavor; shred your own for best melt.
  • Jalapeños: Pat dry; remove seeds for less heat.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough

Step-by-step collage for Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough
Key steps shown from start to finish
  • 1. Mix and rest. Mix starter, water, flour, and salt; rest 30 minutes.
  • 2. Fold. Do 2 rounds of folds every 30 minutes.
  • 3. Add mix-ins. Fold in cheese and jalapeños in two additions for even pockets.
  • 4. Bulk ferment. Rise until puffy and jiggly, 3–6 hours.
  • 5. Shape and cold proof. Refrigerate 8–14 hours.
  • 6. Bake. Bake at 475°F: covered 20 minutes, uncovered 20–25 minutes.
  • 7. Cool. Cool 1 hour before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough

  • Pat jalapeños dry to avoid gummy crumb.
  • Add mix-ins after some strength forms.
  • Cool fully for clean slices.
  • Toast for maximum flavor.
  • If cheese darkens on the crust, that’s extra flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use pepper jack for extra kick.
  • Add garlic powder for a garlic-cheddar loaf.
  • Make it mild by using fewer jalapeños.
  • Sprinkle everything seasoning on top before baking.
  • Make mini loaves for gifting.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

  • Store wrapped 3–4 days.
  • Freeze slices up to 2 months.
  • Toast from frozen for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with soup or chili.
  • Toast and top with avocado.
  • Make grilled cheese with extra cheddar.
  • Add to a snack board with dips.

Reader Review

Unreal toasted. The cheese pockets were perfect and the jalapeño heat was just right. The crust was so crisp.

Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Recipe Card

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: about 14 hours
Yield: 1 loaf
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

If you bake this Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough, leave a rating and a comment. Do you like it mild, medium, or spicy?

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