Fifteen Minute Jalapeño Cheese French Bread 🌶️🧀

This quick and easy recipe for Jalapeño Cheese French Bread is a spicy, cheesy delight that comes together in just fifteen minutes! It's perfect for a snack, party appetizer, or a flavorful side to your favorite dishes. The crusty bread combined with creamy cheese and a zesty kick from the jalapeños will leave everyone wanting more. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

Ingredients

For the French bread

• 1 large loaf of French bread or baguette
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

For the topping

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet (cut side up).

3. Mix the Cheese Spread: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until well combined and creamy.

   🔪 Tip: For a more intense flavor, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes!

4. Spread the Mixture: Generously spread the cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the French bread.

5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Slice into pieces and serve warm.

   🥖 Serving Suggestion: This Jalapeño Cheese French Bread is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with salsa or guacamole for an extra kick!

Variations

• Spicy Avocado: Top the melted cheese with slices of avocado for a creamy texture contrast. 🥑
• Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or mixing in some mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs, like chives or green onions, to the cheese mixture for an herby twist.
• Make it Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the cheese spread for a savory, smoky addition.

Whether you're hosting a movie night or simply snacking at home, this Fifteen Minute Jalapeño Cheese French Bread is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and the satisfying crunch of the toasted bread! 😋