Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds with a spicy and cheesy delight? In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia, a mouthwatering bread that combines the goodness of cheddar cheese, the heat of jalapeño peppers, and the savory aroma of fresh rosemary. Get ready to learn how to create this flavorful masterpiece from scratch. But before we start, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this delicious journey.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
2. Creating the Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
3. Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Allowing the Dough to Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Shaping the Focaccia: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and gently press it down to form a rectangular shape.
6. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) while the dough rests.
7. Creating Pockets: Using your fingertips, make indentations all over the dough, creating small pockets for the toppings to settle into.
8. Drizzling with Olive Oil: Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, ensuring it covers the entire surface. This will give the focaccia its characteristic golden crust.
9. Adding Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough, allowing it to melt and meld with the bread during baking.
10. Spreading Jalapeño Peppers: Place the thinly sliced jalapeño peppers on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly for a burst of heat in every bite.
11. Aromatic Touch: If desired, sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves over the dough for an aromatic touch.
12. Sea Salt Sprinkle: Lightly sprinkle the focaccia with sea salt, adding a delightful hint of savory goodness.
13. Baking the Focaccia: Bake the Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
14. Cooling the Focaccia: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.