This Jalapeño Popper Pull-Apart Bread combines all the cheesy, spicy, and buttery flavors of classic jalapeño poppers in a fun, tear-apart bread. Layers of roasted jalapeños, melted cheddar, and creamy cheese are stacked inside a soft, homemade bread, making this the perfect appetizer or side dish for game nights, parties, or spicy food lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Spicy – A bold flavor with creamy cheese and roasted jalapeños.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for pull-apart snacking at gatherings.
- Soft & Fluffy Bread – A homemade dough that’s light yet rich.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer – Ideal for game day, BBQs, or potlucks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 6 roasted jalapeños, sliced in half and deseeded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Stir in warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Jalapeños
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place jalapeño halves on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes until slightly charred.
- Let cool, then remove seeds to adjust spice level.
3. Assemble the Bread
- Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle (about 12×14 inches).
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and place the roasted jalapeños evenly across the dough.
4. Slice & Stack
- Cut the dough into strips, then stack them together.
- Cut the stacked dough into squares and arrange them vertically in a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise
- Cover and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Bake & Serve
- Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, then pull apart and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 hours
- Baking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Variations
- Extra Cheesy – Add mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for more melty goodness.
- Bacon Jalapeño Bread – Sprinkle cooked bacon crumbles between layers.
- Spicy Version – Leave some jalapeño seeds in for an extra kick.
- Garlic & Herb – Mix chopped parsley or chives into the melted butter for added flavor.
- Ranch-Flavored – Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing on the dough before layering.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap baked bread tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?
Yes! Pickled jalapeños add a tangy kick but won’t have the smoky roasted flavor.
How do I prevent my bread from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and store in an airtight container to keep it soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it to room temperature before assembling.
What’s the best way to serve this bread?
Serve warm with ranch dressing, sour cream, or queso dip for dipping.
Can I make this without yeast?
Yeast gives the bread its soft texture, but you can try a baking powder-based quick bread version.
How spicy is this bread?
Roasting the jalapeños makes them milder, but for a mild version, remove all seeds.
Can I make this with store-bought dough?
Yes! Use pizza dough or biscuit dough for a shortcut version.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes! A bundt pan creates a fun, round pull-apart bread shape.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Bake for an extra 5 minutes uncovered at the end for a golden, crispy crust.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based butter.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Popper Pull-Apart Bread is a cheesy, spicy, and buttery masterpiece perfect for game nights, parties, or any occasion where you need a flavorful appetizer. Whether you love melted cheese, roasted jalapeños, or warm, homemade bread, this pull-apart treat is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy every gooey, spicy bite!
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Jalapeño Popper Pull-Apart Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cheesy, spicy, and buttery pull-apart bread layered with roasted jalapeños, melted cheddar, and cream cheese—perfect for sharing! This soft, flavorful bread is great for game nights, parties, or a cozy appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 6 roasted jalapeños, sliced in half and deseeded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For Brushing:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir in warm milk, melted butter, and egg until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Roast the jalapeños in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until slightly charred. Let cool and remove seeds.
- Assemble the Bread: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened cream cheese over the surface, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Evenly place the roasted jalapeños across the dough.
- Cut and Stack: Slice the dough into strips, then stack them and cut into squares. Arrange the squares in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Brush with melted butter and garlic powder. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then pull apart and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- For a bacon twist, add cooked crumbled bacon into the filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
