Hatch Green Chilies & Cheddar Cheese Bread

Hatch Green Chile & Cheese Bread, a recipe that combines robust flavors with comforting aromas. This bread boasts a hearty blend of Hatch green chiles and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a perfect harmony of spice and richness. With a tender crumb and a crisp crust, each slice promises a burst of southwestern flavors.

Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to be a favorite at any gathering or as a comforting treat at home. Dive into this recipe to savor a taste of the Southwest in every bite.

Hatch Green Chilies & Cheddar Cheese Bread

Ingredients:

7 cups flour

2 Tbsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, softened

2 cups milk, lukewarm

4 1/2 tsp. dry active yeast

3 cups Hatch Green Chile

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water in bowl ofch mixer. Add milk, butter salt and sugar. Stir until blended

Add green chile and cheese and mix until combined. Add 3 cups of flour and mix using the dough hook attachment

Add remaining flour to make a soft dough. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours

After dough has risen, divide dough in 2 equal pieces and place into 2 greased loaf pans.
Cover and let rise 45 minutes

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes

Cool on a wire rack and enjoy

Notes:

Choosing Green Chiles: Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best flavor. You can roast them yourself or use canned, drained chiles for convenience. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.

Yeast Activation: Ensure the water used to dissolve the yeast is warm (around 110-115°F or 43-46°C). Too hot water can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it properly.

Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten, which gives the bread its structure and texture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for ease, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface.

Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by placing the dough in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water on the lower rack.

Greasing Loaf Pans: Ensure loaf pans are well-greased to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easier removal.

Second Rise: During the second rise after shaping the loaves, cover them loosely with greased plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. This helps to retain moisture and prevents a dry crust from forming.

Baking Temperature and Time: Preheat the oven properly to ensure even baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent the loaves with foil halfway through baking.

Cooling and Storage: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the loaves for longer storage.

Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like diced onions, garlic powder, or different types of cheese (like pepper jack for added spice).

Enjoying the Bread: This bread is delicious on its own, toasted with butter, or as a side to soups and stews. It also makes excellent sandwiches when sliced thinly.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of flour in this recipe?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or a blend of different flours.

Note that this may alter the texture slightly.

Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned Hatch chiles?

Yes, you can use fresh roasted green chiles instead of canned Hatch chiles.

Ensure they are chopped and deseeded before adding to the dough.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the baked loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag.

Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How spicy is the bread with Hatch green chiles?

The spice level can vary depending on the heat of your chiles.

Hatch green chiles typically range from mild to medium-hot, adding a flavorful kick rather than intense heat.

Can I add more cheese or adjust the amount of chiles?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cheese or chiles to suit your taste preferences.

More cheese will result in a richer flavor, while additional chiles will increase spiciness.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

You can also use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).

What can I serve with this bread?

This bread pairs well with soups, stews, or chili.

It’s also delicious sliced and served with butter as a snack or alongside a salad.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer with a dough hook.

It will require more effort but can be done on a lightly floured surface.

How should I store leftover bread?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Can I add other ingredients like herbs or spices to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the bread by adding herbs like oregano or spices like garlic powder.

These additions can enhance the flavor profile of the bread.