Cheesy Pull-Apart Jalapeno Bread

Name: Cheesy Pull-Apart Jalapeno Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or French); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2-3 fresh jalapenos, diced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Cheesy Pull-Apart Jalapeno Bread for gatherings or just a cozy night at home. The warm, gooey cheese combined with the kick of jalapenos creates an irresistible treat that everyone adores. As soon as you take the first pull, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that’ll have you coming back for more. What I enjoy most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize; whether you like it milder or spicier, you can adjust the jalapenos to suit your taste.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-15T11:45:30.564Z

When I first made Cheesy Pull-Apart Jalapeno Bread, I wanted to create something unique that blended my love for cheese with a spicy twist. After several trials, I discovered that using freshly shredded cheese really elevates the texture and flavor of the bread. The fresh cheese melts beautifully and pulls apart perfectly, giving that satisfying stretch.

Another key tip is to let the bread cool slightly before serving—it enhances the flavors and makes it easier to pull apart. Each bite is a delightful balance of cheesy goodness and a hint of heat from the jalapenos. Serve it warm at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously gooey and cheesy with a spicy kick
Perfectly customizable with your choice of jalapenos
Great for sharing at parties or as a comforting snack

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of bread is crucial for this Cheesy Pull-Apart Jalapeno Bread. A crusty loaf, like sourdough or French, not only holds the cheesy filling well but also offers a delightful contrast with its crispy exterior and soft interior. The crustiness ensures that the bread can withstand the gooey cheese and spicy jalapenos without falling apart during baking, leading to a satisfying pull-apart experience.

Jalapenos are the star ingredient, providing that much-loved kick. When selecting jalapenos, consider their ripeness. Ripe jalapenos have a deeper green color and a slight sheen. If you're sensitive to heat, choose smaller jalapenos, as they tend to be milder than larger ones. Alternatively, for a spicier version, leave some seeds in when dicing, which intensifies the heat in the final dish.

Technique Tips for Melty Cheese

To achieve the perfect melt in your cheeses, it's essential to combine different types. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor, while mozzarella contributes to that gooey stretch we crave. The balance should be around a 50/50 ratio for the best texture and taste. When mixing the cheeses with the jalapenos, do this just before filling the bread to prevent moisture from making the cheese clumpy.

When pouring the melted butter, don’t rush! Ensure every slit is generously coated, allowing the butter to infuse flavor and moisture into the bread while it bakes. This step not only enhances taste but also adds to the bread's beautifully golden top as it bakes. Check the bread visually; it should emerge from the oven with a bubbling, crispy cheese surface for the best flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 loaf of crusty bread (like sourdough or French)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2-3 fresh jalapenos, diced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Enjoy the cheesy goodness of this pull-apart bread!

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut diagonal slits into the bread without going all the way through, creating squares for filling.

Mix Cheese and Jalapenos

In a bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with the diced jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, and cilantro (if using).

Fill the Bread

Carefully stuff the cheese mixture into the slits of the bread, ensuring an even distribution of jalapenos and cheese.

Butter It Up

Pour the melted butter over the stuffed bread, allowing it to soak into the slits.

Bake

Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Pull apart and enjoy the delicious cheesy goodness!

This cheesy pull-apart bread is best enjoyed warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of jalapenos used. You can also add other ingredients like cooked bacon or herbs for extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, this jalapeno bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I recommend reheating it in a toaster oven or regular oven rather than the microwave. This will keep the crust crispier and allow the cheese to regain its melty texture. Simply wrap it in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread before baking. After assembling and stuffing the bread with cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to a month. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at the temperature specified in the recipe. This allows you to enjoy fresh, cheesy bread whenever the craving strikes.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Adding other ingredients, like cooked bacon or diced bell peppers, can add another layer of flavor. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for an extra kick or a creamy gouda for a richer profile. Each choice will elevate your jalapeno bread into a new culinary experience.

For a vegetarian twist, consider swapping out the jalapenos for roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes. They will add depth without the heat, while still providing a burst of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the moisture levels accordingly; you may need less butter if using wetter ingredients to ensure the bread doesn’t become soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or pepper jack.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the bread in advance, then cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for this recipe.