Description
This Spicy Jalapeño Multigrain Bread combines wholesome grains with fresh jalapeños for a hearty, flavorful loaf featuring a soft interior and a lightly crisp crust. It offers just the right amount of heat, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or pairing with chili and soups.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup mixed seeds (sunflower, flax, sesame – optional)
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Spicy Add-ins
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
Optional Toppings
- Oats, seeds, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Add Fats: Stir in olive oil or melted butter to the yeast mixture to enrich the dough’s texture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Jalapeños: Add whole wheat flour, bread or all-purpose flour, rolled oats, mixed seeds (if using), salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and finely diced jalapeños to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Punch Down and Shape: Gently punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and allow it to rise again for 30–45 minutes to develop a light, airy crumb.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Toppings: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, sprinkle oats, seeds, or sliced jalapeños on top of the loaf for additional texture and flavor.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 35–40 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture and cutting experience.
Notes
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin.
- For a spicy cheese variation, add shredded cheddar cheese to the dough during mixing.
- Store the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 2 months to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Artisan
