Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that effortlessly blends savory bacon, spicy jalapenos, and rich, melted cheese into a single, irresistible loaf: our Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread. This isn’t just any bread; it’s a celebration of flavors, a versatile masterpiece perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a show-stopping side dish. Imagine the crispy bits of bacon, the subtle kick of fresh jalapenos, and the creamy indulgence of cheese baked into a golden, fluffy quick bread. It’s a combination so delightful, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread: Your New Favorite Quick Bread
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, especially when it’s packed with such exciting ingredients. This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the fact that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredibly delicious. Unlike yeast breads that require extensive proofing times, this is a quick bread recipe, meaning it relies on leavening agents like baking powder to rise, making it surprisingly simple to whip up even on a busy weekday. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a straightforward path to a truly spectacular loaf.
The Irresistible Fusion of Flavors
What makes this bread so special? It’s the harmonious interplay of its core ingredients. Crispy, salty bacon provides a deep, umami base, while fresh diced jalapenos introduce a vibrant, peppery heat that can be customized to your preference. Then, there’s the cheese – a Mexican blend, which typically includes Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco, offering a complex, melty richness that perfectly balances the spice. Add to this the tangy buttermilk and creamy softened cream cheese, and you have a bread that is moist, tender, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s a bread that satisfies cravings for both savory and slightly spicy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
A Quick and Easy Baking Project
Many people are intimidated by the idea of baking bread from scratch, but quick breads like this one are designed to be effortless. With no yeast to activate and no kneading required, the process is streamlined and enjoyable. You simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in your flavorful additions, and bake. It’s a perfect recipe for a weekend morning when you want a warm, homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the minimal cleanup means you can enjoy your delicious creation sooner.
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Perfection
The beauty of this Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste profile:
- Cooked Bacon: The star of the show! Ensure your bacon is crisp and finely chopped to distribute its savory flavor throughout the bread.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread, providing structure.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, responsible for the bread’s rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar helps with browning and tenderizing the bread, subtly complementing the savory notes without making it sweet.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds incredible moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the bread’s rich texture.
- Jalapenos: Freshly diced jalapenos provide the signature heat. Control the spice by removing seeds and membranes, or leave some in for extra fire.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: A mix of cheeses offers superior melt and complex flavor compared to a single type.
- Buttermilk: Its acidity reacts with the baking powder, aiding in leavening, and also contributes to the bread’s moistness and tender crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the bread soft.
Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread
Achieving the ideal loaf is simple with a few key considerations:
- Bacon Preparation: Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, then drain excess fat and chop it into small pieces. This ensures you get a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Jalapeno Heat Control: If you prefer a milder bread, remove all seeds and white membranes from the jalapenos before dicing. For more heat, leave some seeds in. Remember to wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This allows it to blend smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring an even distribution of flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is moistened. Overmixing quick bread batter can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one.
- Pan Preparation: Always grease and flour your loaf pan, or use a cooking spray with flour, to prevent sticking. Using parchment paper can also be a great way to ensure easy removal.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. A consistent oven temperature is vital for even baking and proper rise.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and allows the bread to set, making it easier to slice.
Heat-resistant potholders are also a must-have in any kitchen. Safety first! A few years ago, we had a fire scare when a cloth potholder caught fire because we hadn’t realized a burner was on. Thankfully, we noticed the smoke quickly and were able to put it out ourselves. Since then, we only trust and use heat-resistant silicone potholders for peace of mind.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm, sliced thick, for a satisfying breakfast or a hearty brunch. It pairs wonderfully with eggs, fresh fruit, or even a simple cup of coffee. As a side dish, it’s a fantastic accompaniment to chili, soups, stews, or grilled meats, adding a burst of flavor that elevates any meal. You can also toast slices for an even crispier texture. For snacking, a slice of this bread needs nothing more than itself – it’s that good!
To store your freshly baked bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire loaf (once completely cooled) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven or toaster oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Explore More Spicy and Savory Delights
If you’re a fan of the bold flavors in this Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread, you’ll love these other recipes that feature a touch of heat and savory goodness:
Great Jalapeno Recipes
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos
Jalapeno Beer Brats
Spicy Deviled Eggs
Tequila Spiked Guacamole
Chili’s Restaurant Salsa
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, for all of our recipe posts.
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread Recipe
Print
Rate
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bacon cooked, crumbled
- 3 C All Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Tablespoon White Sugar
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ C Diced Jalapeno or more, to taste
- 2 C Shredded Mexican Blend cheese
- 1 ½ C Buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×5 inch glass loaf pan with cooking spray (like Pam). In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, cooked and chopped bacon, and shredded Mexican blend cheese. Use your hands to thoroughly mix these ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix until uniformly combined.
- Add the cream cheese and bacon mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the vegetable oil and buttermilk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Spoon the Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Begin checking for doneness around the 45 to 50 minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before attempting to remove it.
- After cooling sufficiently, carefully remove the bread from the pan and continue cooling on the wire rack. Slice and serve warm, or let it cool completely for easier slicing. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Loaf Pan (9×5 inches)
- Parchment Paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Wire Cooling Rack
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 405
Recipe originally shared on June 15, 2015. Updated December 2020 and March 2024.