Description
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread is a savory, spicy appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and Colby jack cheeses mixed with fresh and pickled jalapenos. This spread is layered generously on an Italian loaf, baked until golden and bubbly, creating a flavorful, cheesy bread perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
Bread
- 14-ounce Italian loaf
Cheese and Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Peppers and Aromatics
- 3/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 cup petite diced fresh jalapenos, ribs and seeds removed
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons sliced chives, plus more for garnish
- 2 cloves finely minced garlic
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- A couple pinches of cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the Italian loaf in half lengthwise and arrange the halves cut side up on a baking sheet to prepare for topping.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, half of the shredded Colby jack cheese, all the shredded sharp cheddar, chopped pickled jalapenos, diced fresh jalapenos, sliced green onions, chives, minced garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper. Mix until the ingredients are fully blended into a smooth and flavorful spread.
- Assemble Bread: Evenly spread the jalapeno cheese mixture over the cut sides of both bread halves. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby jack cheese on top to add extra cheesiness. Optionally, add a few slices of fresh jalapeno for additional heat and presentation.
- Bake: Place the prepared bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and starts to turn a golden brown. For an extra browned and bubbly finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to slightly cool and set. Then, slice and garnish with additional green onions and chives before serving to enhance freshness and color.
- Enjoy and Share: Serve the Jalapeno Popper Cheese Bread as a delicious appetizer or snack. If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review to share your experience!
Notes
- Removing the ribs and seeds from the fresh jalapenos helps control the heat level—leave them in if you prefer extra spice.
- Allowing the bread to cool slightly before slicing helps prevent the filling from oozing out.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a nicely browned and slightly crispy cheese topping.
- This recipe can be made ahead, assembled, and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from chilled.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the bread cleanly without tearing the crust or pulling the cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
