Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread

This bread is a showstopper for spice lovers and comfort-food enthusiasts alike. It’s got the perfect crusty exterior, a soft and chewy interior, and just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños. The vegan cheese adds a creamy, melty texture that takes this loaf over the top.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of soup, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own, this bread is packed with flavor and super satisfying!
How to Make It
Crafting this Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread is an enjoyable, step-by-step process. Begin by combining the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and yeast—in a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. This part doesn’t need to be perfect—just ensure the flour is fully hydrated.
Next, fold in the finely chopped jalapeños and shredded vegan cheese. Distribute these flavorful additions evenly throughout the dough for bursts of spice and cheesy goodness in every bite. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8-12 hours. This slow rise allows the flavors to develop and gives the bread its airy texture.
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a work surface and gently shape the dough into a round ball. Place it on a piece of parchment paper. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F and heat a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes. The hot Dutch oven creates the perfect environment for a crispy crust.

Carefully transfer the dough (with the parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Bake with the lid on for the first 30 minutes to lock in moisture, which helps the bread rise. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This waiting time is crucial to lock in the flavors and maintain the bread’s texture.
Make Ahead Method
This bread is a dream for those who like to plan ahead:
- Prepare the Dough in Advance: You can mix the dough and refrigerate it after the initial rise for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature, shape it, and proceed as usual.
- Freeze Unbaked Dough: After the first rise, shape the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can stay frozen for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Bake Ahead of Time: Bake the bread a day ahead and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust.
Pro Tips
Get the Right Texture:
- The dough will be sticky, which is normal for artisan bread. Resist the urge to add more flour—it’s the stickiness that helps create the airy crumb.
Use Fresh Jalapeños:
- Fresh jalapeños provide the best flavor. If you prefer a less spicy loaf, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
Cheese Matters:
- Use a high-quality vegan cheese that melts well. Brands made with cashews or coconut oil tend to perform best. If you like extra cheesiness, sprinkle some shredded vegan cheese on top before baking.

Perfect Your Crust:
- Preheating the Dutch oven is key to achieving that bakery-style crust. Be careful when handling it—it’ll be extremely hot.
Timing Is Everything:
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. Cutting too soon can make the interior gummy.
Experiment with Add-ins:
- Try adding minced garlic, chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added umami flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a gorgeous loaf that’s sure to impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests!
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box for up to 3 days. Keep the crust crispy by avoiding plastic wrap.
- Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast or bake slices directly from frozen.
Tools for This Recipe
- Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients and letting the dough rise.
- Dutch Oven: Essential for that crusty artisan finish.
- Parchment Paper: Makes transferring the dough to the Dutch oven a breeze.
- Bench Scraper: Handy for shaping the dough.
FAQs!
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the best results. The texture may differ slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q: Can I substitute the jalapeños?
Absolutely. Try diced bell peppers for a milder flavor or even sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Q: Can I skip the vegan cheese?
You can, but the cheese adds a lovely richness. Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the melt.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the dough.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in chopped cilantro, parsley, or rosemary for a fresh twist.
- Different Cheeses: Try different vegan cheese varieties, like cheddar or mozzarella-style shreds.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a touch of maple syrup or agave for a sweet contrast to the spice.

Freshly Baked Magic!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s packed with bold flavors like jalapeño and vegan cheese. This bread is as delightful to make as it is to eat, and it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Artisan Bread
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 medium jalapeños finely chopped
- 1 cup vegan cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in chopped jalapeños and shredded vegan cheese. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Shape the dough into a ball on parchment paper.
- Transfer the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!