Cheddar Jalapeño Whole Wheat Honey Oat Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat if desired)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead Dough: Mix until a rough dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but try not to add too much as it will make the bread dense.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
6. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Top with Oats: Just before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a little water and sprinkle some additional rolled oats over the top.
8. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve :

Cheddar Jalapeño Whole Wheat Honey Oat Bread is delicious on its own or served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

1. Toast and Spread: Slice the bread and toast it lightly. Serve with butter or cream cheese for a simple and tasty breakfast or snack.
2. Sandwiches: Use the bread to make flavorful sandwiches. It pairs well with ingredients like sliced turkey or chicken, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Add a spread like mayonnaise or mustard for extra flavor.
3. Soup or Chili Companion: Serve slices of the bread alongside your favorite soups or chili. The cheesy, slightly spicy flavor of the bread complements hearty soups like tomato basil soup or black bean chili.
4. Bruschetta or Crostini: Slice the bread thinly, toast it, and top with bruschetta toppings like diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. You can also serve it with various dips such as hummus or spinach artichoke dip.
5. Cheese Plate Addition: Include slices of the bread on a cheese plate alongside a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads. Its cheesy flavor enhances the overall experience of the cheese tasting.
6. Appetizer Base: Cut the bread into cubes or slices and use it as a base for appetizers. Top with ingredients like smoked salmon and cream cheese, caramelized onions and goat cheese, or sliced figs and balsamic reduction for elegant hors d’oeuvres.
7. Grilled Cheese: Make a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich using slices of this bread and your favorite cheese. Add extras like caramelized onions, sliced apples, or bacon for an extra flavor boost.
8. Panini: Press slices of the bread in a panini press with ingredients like sliced deli meats, cheese, and vegetables for a warm and crispy sandwich.
9. Breakfast Strata: Cube the bread and use it as a base for a breakfast strata or casserole. Combine it with eggs, cheese, vegetables, and meats, then bake until golden and bubbly.
10. Snacking: Simply enjoy the bread as a snack on its own or paired with your favorite beverage, such as coffee, tea, or a glass of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) along with their answers regarding Cheddar Jalapeño Whole Wheat Honey Oat Bread:

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

• Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in equal amounts. You can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in water first.

2. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

• Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a bread machine. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the order of ingredients and select the appropriate setting for a whole wheat bread.

3. Can I use different types of cheese?

• Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

4. How can I adjust the spiciness level?

• You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeños you use and whether you include the seeds. Removing the seeds will reduce the heat level, while using fewer jalapeños overall will make the bread milder.

5. How should I store this bread?

• Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices of the bread for longer storage, thawing them as needed.

6. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

• Yes, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the whole wheat and all-purpose flours. Keep in mind that the texture and rise of the bread may vary slightly.

7. Can I omit the honey or use a different sweetener?

• Yes, you can omit the honey or substitute it with another sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

8. Can I add other ingredients to the bread?

• Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding ingredients like diced onions, garlic powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.