This is a true-and-tried-recipe that works perfectly every time. It requires no eggs. However, yeast is a necessity. It also only takes 15-20 minutes of actual work – the rest of the time, you will be waiting for it to rise or bake. It’s made the old-fashioned way – meaning in the oven and not in a bread machine.
For an “artisan” look, use a baking stone but the bread will come out just as delicious-looking in a pan.
- Vegan: Use oil instead of butter AND skip the optional cheese.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE DOUGH
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp oil (or as needed)
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for vegans)
- 2 jalapeños (sliced)
SPICE MIX
- 1 tsp dried red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp grated garlic
- 2-4 tbsp butter or oil
DIRECTIONS
PREP THE YEAST
- First, empty the yeast packet in a bowl and add the warm water (be sure the water is not hot nor cold).
- Add 1 tsp sugar to the mixture and set aside.
[You should see the yeast form bubbles and grow into a foamy mixture. If the mixture doesn’t foam throw it out and start over with active dry yeast or the bread will not rise.]
PREPARE THE GARLIC-SPICE MIX
- Warm the butter or oil.
- Add to it the garlic, dried red pepper flakes, basil, parsley, and oregano.
- Mix well and set aside.
MAKE THE DOUGH
- Place the all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Make a valley in the flour and pour the yeast-sugar mixture in it.
- Using warm water sparingly, make the dough.
- Add the chopped jalapeños.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes to make it nice and smooth.
- Spray a little oil on the dough.
- Cover the dough with a warm towel.
- Set aside in a warm place or in a pre-heated but turned off oven.
Allow the dough to rise for between 1 – 4 hours.
BAKE THE DOUGH
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Shape the dough in a large, smooth ball.
- Place dough in a greased container or on a greased pizza stone
- Scatter some jalapeños on it
- Sprinkle with cheese (optional)
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes. If sprinkled with cheese, it will start to brown.
[Insert knife to check if done. The knife will come out clean if the bread is fully cooked inside]. - Broil for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the bread.
Allow the bread to cool for 30 minutes or so.
Lay the bread flat. Next, using a knife, make shallow crisscross cuts across the top of the loaf (remember not to go in too deep).
Using a knife or your fingers, pry open each crack and drizzle in a teaspoon of the spicy garlic oil mixture. It may get a bit messy but don’t worry, it will taste delicious!
Wrap the bread in foil and bake for another 10 minutes or so.
Remove and serve hot.
Note: This bread keeps for 2 days outside or for about a week in the fridge.
