Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Quick Bread
I'm a big fan of making quick bread recipes. This Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Quick Bread makes a scrumptious sandwich bread, soup dipper, morning toast or snack. People loves this bread which can also be made as drop biscuits too!
To be completely honest, I am a wimp when it comes to yeast because I'm both nervous about making yeast bread and lazy.
Seeing how I am not much of a planner and I am definitely a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants cook I want what I want when I want it and just don't want to wait for my dough to rise.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love Cheesy Jalapeno Bread
- No yeast necessary for this recipe.
- It goes with just about everything. And in addition to it being delicious hot from the oven, it makes a fabulous grilled cheese!
- You can even make the dough and make as drop biscuits instead of a bread which I do often.
- It's easy, after all it is a quick bread!!
What Is A Quick Bread?
- Miriam Webster defines a quick bread as any type of bread leavened with leavening agents other than yeast or eggs.
- Typically a one bowl, no rise recipe.
One of the advantages of a quick bread is their ability to be prepared quickly and reliably, without requiring the time, effort and climate control needed for traditional yeast breads.
Ingredients Needed
- Bacon
- Flour, salt, baking powder, sugar
- Shredded cheese I use 1 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup cheddar, I have also done ½ Mozzarella and ½ cheddar
- Fresh jalapenos & scallions
- An egg, milk & butter
Tips
- Start with cooking your bacon, after that add your ingredients, mixing gently as you do. No mixer necessary.
- Making a quick bread is best done with a spatula by hand so your batter doesn't become overworked.
- Important Note: The more you mix it, the more rubbery and dense your quick bread may be. All you want to do as you add in your ingredients is gently stir/fold the mixture until moist and just incorporated which will yield you softer, more tender bread.
- Use parchment paper to line your baking pan. This is a heavy loaf, using parchment peper helps you easily lift it out with no fear of breakage.
- Cut slices on the thicker side and use for things like toast it for breakfast, use for sandwiches or cut into nice thick cubes for dips or enjoy as is.
- I like to put cubes of Cheesy Jalapeno Bread, toasted, on cheese boards and charcuterie boards.
- This makes an amazing grilled cheese, just butter and grill both sides, inside and out. Once the inside is grilled, add your cheese and top with the other slice and grill until cheese is melted.
- You can also choose to make this recipe as muffins or drop biscuits, it makes fabulous drop biscuits!
Can You Freeze Quick Bread?
I have not frozen this Bacon Cheese Jalapeno Quick Bread Recipe myself since it is always gobbled up, however, I can't see why you can't freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in foil in slices, place in a freezer bag and take out a slice when you wish to enjoy it.
Heat a slice in the oven until warmed through or crisped up, depending on how you enjoy it.
Variations
- Make these as Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Biscuits. Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (if you want them large) and bake on parchment paper linked baking sheet at 400 degrees. Bake time will depend of the size you make.
- Omit the jalapenos or the scallions (not both) if there is one you don't like.
- Omit the bacon (gasp!!) for Jalapeno Cheese Bread.
- Change up the cheese for different flavors.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
If you love bacon as much as I do...BACON!!! Check out my Bacon Jam. It is life altering lol! I make it for gift-giving, I spread it on burgers, top green beans with it, put a dollop on my friend eggs, on toast and muffins...even on ice cream and of course I eat it right off the spoon!
Quick Bread Favorites
Enjoy! XO - Colleen
Originally posted 2018, updated 2023 with text and recipe links.
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Quick Bread
Ingredients
- 12-14 slices of cooked good quality bacon crumbled
- 3 cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 TBS baking powder
- 1 TBS sugar
- 2 cups shredded cheese I use 1 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup cheddar, I have also done ½ Mozzarella and ½ cheddar
- 2 jalapenos diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 scallions sliced thin optional
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 TBS melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a loaf pan (9x5 or 9x6)
- Cook your bacon until crisp. Blot grease, cool and crumble. Set aside.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Set aside.
- In your main bowl, mix together shredded cheese(s), jalapenos, scallions and bacon. Mix just until combined.
- Add flour mixture to the cheese mixture along with the egg, milk and melted butter and mix just until combined.
- Bake in a greased loaf pan for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly dry.
Hi, if your sister has the cake/bread insert that goes into a crockpot she could make this bread. Good luck
Can this be made in a muffin tin instead of a bread pan? Or done like a drop dough like a scratch biscuit
Yes!! Either way will work.
What type of flour,all purpose,plain or self-rising
Hi Brenda, I use AP. Enjoy!
Would it make a big difference using self rising?
If you were to use selfrising, you would need to reduce (omit) baking powder and perhaps some salt
Hi Cari, I have no experience with almond flour (kids are allergic to nuts). if you can typically substitute it for AP flour, however...I can't see why not.
You can use sweet sorgum in place of almond flour, i actually prefer the taste over almond. I have two grandkids with nut allergies and one with celiacs. I use to make my own flours, but use Bobs red mill all purpose gluten free flour. Hope this helped.
Thanks Jim!
Instead of baking powder could yeast be use.
I'm even lazier than you. Do you think this could be made in a bread maker machine?
Hi Maggie, I have zero experience with bread machines...Sorry!
Let us know if u try it and it works
Can I use self rising flour and leave out the baking powder
Can I substitute canned/jarred jalapeños?
YOu could use canned chilies which really would be for color and texture. Blot them dry before adding them to the bowl. Fresh jalapenos may give a little kick, depending on the jalapeno, which is what I like.
When you say flour. Are you using self-rising or plain flour?
What type of flour . It doesn't say. Here in UK we have plain for pastry and self-raising for sponge cakes .
It would be self-rising (said in my best British accent, lol)! Waving hello from across the pond!
Can I use 1% milk instead of whole?
I can't see why not, I just haven't done it. I might just add an egg yolk (just the yolk) for richness since the milk is a little watered down. Just a thought.
Tried this today for the first time, was a big hit! So simple to make and delicious.
Wonderful! So glad to hear it! Thanks for the comment Darlene!
followed this recipe to the T and it didn't rise at all. Turned out to be biscuit brick. Disappointed.
Oh no! You are the first negative for this I have come across on TikTok (kinda went viral last year)and here. YOu said to a T so I am sure you did put the baking powder in? I make this all the time as biscuits and as a loaf.
I really like that printing this recipe will all fit on one page! Now, to give it a try. I rated it only a 4 because I haven't made it yet, but expecting it to be really yummy and to go over very well with my family.
Can you use Bisquick
I can't see why not. I have never baked with bisquick. if it makes into a loaf, it should work perfectly!
Hi Donna, I just did some research and the answer is yes. From Bob's Red Mill - The biggest difference between the two flours to remember while baking, is that bread flour has a higher protein content which leads to more stability, form, and rise in the dough allowing it to lift and hold shape, whereas all-purpose flour has a lower protein content resulting in lighter, more crumbly breads.Good luck!
I have bacon crumbles from Costco, how many cups does your bacon yield by chance or should I just add until my ancestors say "that's enough my child" haha no seriously though. Hope to hear back from you as this recipe looks amazing!
Haha, Heather...I would go with your ancestors!! SO If I measured it, It would probably be about 1 1/4 cups. Hope you enjoy it!
Can this bread be cooked in a cast iron skillet?
Hi Shannon, Sure, I can't see why not. That's how I cook m y Irish Soda Bread (yum!!). With that I do line the pan with a piece of parchment paper, so maybe try that. Good luck!
Just made this and so delicious! Hubby and I both agree that this bread would be amazing with country biscuit gravy. Guess what's for breakfast tomorrow...?
Happy to hear it Vera! And yum, what a delicious idea!
What is the best way to store this bread and how long does it keep for?
I just cover it with foil, it's never around long. SO I don't know. I'd say it would be good for 3-4 days. Warm it in a toaster oven or oven to freshen it up.
Can you use almond flour instead?
Hi Rene, I have no experience with almond flour (both my kids are allergic to almonds). If you do try it and it works out, I'd love to hear about it.
Do you have to put in the hot peppers ?
Hi Patricia, no...You don't have to. Or you can add green peppers> It will work out without them.
I would like to make this over the weekend...do I use all-purpose flour or self-rising?
All-purpose.
Can you use a glass loaf pan or should it be metal?
I have only used metal however I can't see why glass wouldn't work just as well.
I used a glass pan today and it was wonderful. My oven bakes a little hot so I did lower the temp to 325.
I used a glass pan today and it was wonderful. My oven bakes a little hot so I did lower the temp to 325. Several people have already asked for the recipe! Absolutely 5-Star rating!
Fantastic Karen! So glad to hear it and thanks for the rating!!
The recipe should call for self rising flour, not say flour. Not using the correct flour will ruin the recipe.
Would it be okay to substitute a can of beer for the milk?
I have not tried that, that would lean a little more beer bread. I MAY work However I just don't know. If you try it I would love to know if it did work.
My go-to quick bread is my momma's banana bread, but I'm thinking this Bacon, Cheese, and Jalapeno bread might just rival it. I'm a savory gal, so can't wait to try it!
Do you think this recipe would work for muffins?
I have made them as biscuits (so yummy) but not as a traditional muffin however I am sure they would work.
such an easy bread to prepare. A kick from the jalapeno is so well balanced with the cheese.
What's not to like about bacon, cheese and jalapenos and bread and you don't have to use yeast!
I believe I seeing you making this quick bread on your stories and I want to make it because it's easy and no kneading required. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
So making this bread - my daughter and I are CRAZY about jalapenos and you can't find yeast right now anyway!
Great! I am a fly by the seat of my pants cook, I never have time or the patience honestly to plan/make things with yeast. One of these days!
Oh yum, love all the flavors in this and while I do like making yeast bread too, quick breads are also very handy sometimes.
Even though I enjoy baking with yeast.....you had me at not needing a mixer for this recipe.
Can I use normal cake flour?
Hi Steph, I used AP flour however cake flour should work fine.
Do you think I could use buttermilk instead of whole milk? I bought some for banana bread and have plenty left over
Sure! I love baking with buttermilk, add in a TBS or so of sugar to offset the sourness that buttermilk can bring.
Made it exactly as written. Was absolutely delicious! Definitely will make again.
Fantastic! Great to hear Nancy!
This looks amazing!! Would I be able to substitute gluten free flour for this recipe? I have a gluten allergy. I currently have Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour.
Thanks
Hi Kara, I would think so, however, I am not experienced with GF flours. If you are, just follow whatever additions you typically make to a quick bread or biscuits (if any) when you use GF flour. Good luck!
Any adjustments for high altitude? Between 5000 and 9500 feet?
Hi Frank, I have no experience with high altitude baking. Here is a chart from King Arthur Flour, hope that helps! https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/resources/high-altitude-baking
I have all ingredients except cream cheese. Being in lockdown, can’t go to store. I want to make this now! Looks so yummy. Is there a substitution
Hi Becky, Yogurt or any type of soft cheese should work fine for a substitute. Good luck and stay safe!
Love the recipes you have on this site.
Oh Alma! Thanks so much!! That made my day!
Is the sugar a necessary ingredient or can I use a sugar alternative?
It is not necessary, I just think it adds something to it, a little sweetness I look for in quick breads. I also add sugar to my Cheesy Pepperoni Bread.
Wondering what the baking time would be if you make muffins instead of in the loaf pan......Also, would you change the baking temperature to 400 degrees?
I usually make drop biscuits from this batter as well, baked at both 375 and 400 (depending what was going on in my oven at the time). They come out even better than the bread in my opinion. I have not tried these as muffins, if you do let me know how they turn out. Served with some jalapeno honey butter would be amazing!
This bread is amazing! The flavors, tenderness and colors are outstanding. Our new favorite!
Oh yay! So happy to hear it! Thanks for the comment and rating!
Excellent recipe, my first loaf!
Awesome!! Thanks Lara!
I made it! Yum!
Should I refrigerate?
No need to refrigerate.
This bread is absolutely divine. My Son ate the whole loaf! I baked it in mini bread pans. I put the recipe in my Christmas file to make for my handmade baskets filled with goodies. Thank you so much
Love hearing that Sherri!!! Homemade food baskets are the BEST...Lots of effort & love go into them!
I love this recipe, I've made it a few times!
The last two times I've made it it has stuck to the bottom and I'm hoping you can tell me what to do different next time!
Hmmm, well you can always line the pan with parchment papaer and the lift the loaf out. I often do that when baking quick breads since they can be heavy with cheese. Hope it helps!
Absolutely fantastic! I used precooked bacon and serrano chiles and it turned out great. Next time I might add more salt, but it is great how it is too. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Great to hear Katie. Love your twist. I actually JUST adjust the recipe the other day. It used to say 1 tsp of salt, I feel that with the cheese and salted melted butter 1/4 is enough however we all like it differently. (I personally an a salt monster!! Love it!)
Would this recipe work in a Dutch oven pan??
Baked in the oven on a Dutch oven (lid off)? If so, yes that should be fine.
what size loaf pan do you use?
I use a 9x5 pan.
Delicious! I made lots of changes … used Bob’s gluten free flour, less cheese, no bacon or cream cheese but threw in cilantro, chopped kale, garden yellow peppers, finely chopped red jalapeños, 2 eggs. It turned out GREAT!
Jalapeno heat is not in the seeds. Quality cooks know that.
Guess Gordon Ramsay is wrong too....
Can I use almond flour? Has anyone here used almond flour?
Hi Jessica, If you take a look at my TikTok, I did it with a mixture of almond and cocnut flour. Many people also gave their tips for adjusting it. I am no expert when it comes to alternative flours and GF baking. My TT is https://www.tiktok.com/@colleenscooking Good luck!
How long do you think it would take to bake in a muffin pan?
About 20 minutes depending on fill and altitude.
Can you bake this in a convection oven ?
I have a traditional oven still (about to get a new one) so I am sure you can...I just don't know the difference as of yet.
Can you use bread flour for this recipe?
I have not tried that, however someone just wrote me and said they did half bread flour and half AP flour and it worked just fine.
Can you make this in a head of time?
Yes, I feel its best hot from the oven however its still delicious reheated or toasted!
Just made it and it smells amazing, does this need to be refrigerated?
I don't refrigerate it. It's usually gone the next day. You can if you choose, just toast it up when ready to enjoy.
Oh oh oh Who else is thinking grilled cheese sammy with this yummy looking bread?! 😋🤤😀
Definitely!
Just made this bread last night and I cannot stop snacking on it! Luv all the flavors of the bacon, scallions and jalapenos running through each slice. I did not have enough regular milk and used about some half-and-half with no issue. Placing some slices in the freezer so I can enjoy this bread in the next few months as well.
Great to hear Elisabeth!! Thanks for the stars!!
I made this yesterday and it was awful. It was too dense. I have never used so much flour in a quick bread before. I followed the ingredients. I won’t make it again.
I have a ton of feta. Is there a t way to incorporate some into this recipe? This looks absolutely delicious!
Maybe not this one, but a similar quick bread with sun dried tomatoes, herbs and feta would be delish. Or check out these recipes with feta - https://soufflebombay.com/grilled-greek-zucchini-shrimp-feta-cheese-salad/ OR
My Favorite - https://soufflebombay.com/greek-tomato-feta-dip-salad/ OR https://soufflebombay.com/mediterranean-burger/ OR simply scatter it atop a nice plate of hummus with kalamata olives, tomatoes, cucumber pieces etc. YUM!!
Could you use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
I grill the avocado face down (halved) brushed with a bit of seasoned garlic oil. You could do the same for plum tomatoes, fice down for a minute or two and then chop and toss.
This was the most amazing bread! Made it exactly as your recipe, except I used pickled, sliced Jalapeno as that's what I had and it was phenomenal. Slathered it with smashed avacado and topped it with sunny side up egg. Sliced bread and froze on baking sheet and then put into bag and back in freezer. Toasted frozen slices on pan in toaster oven, and bottom was so crisp as well as top. A little dense, didn't rise as much as your photo, but think I mixed too long - making again today and will mix more gently as you instructed! THANK YOU!!!!
That's great Joanne! SO glad you enjoyed and thanks for your update on variation and freezing! The smashed avocado and egg...Mmmmm!
This is the bread I have been searching for that does not require yeast!!! Who doesn't like cheese and bacon together..OMG😋😘 I prep the bacon, cheese mixture the night before; then bring to room temperature when ready to make 🤗
Unfortunately we don't have a smell-agram app, kitchen smellswonderful. I will definitely make this again, drop biscuits and/or muffins!!
Wonderful Marilyn, glad you enjoyed! I especially like this as drop biscuits 🙂
This has been in a 400 oven for 80 minutes and it still wasn’t done. Won’t use this site again. Wasted.
Sorry to hear. All I can think is that you are at a higher altitude than be (I am almost at sea level).
Just wanted you to know..maybe you do and maybe you don’t. I realize with blogs you need to make money, and you need to have the ads to make money, but I could barely read your article/recipe/directions because of all the ads popping up right in the middle of the page. Yes, I can X out of one ad, but then another pops up. Very frustrating.
I was testing out a subscribe function, many people ask me about something like that and I have been putting it off. It was a bit much, so its disabled as of now. Hope you enjoy the bread!
recipe was good but very bland, I would add more salt and some garlic powder to the mix. The dough was dense even though I added 1 extra egg. I baked it in muffin tin. got 18 good sized muffins. baked at 400 degrees for 15 min. everything else was very good, texture and rise. Will make again but will add more glamor to the batter.
Sounds good, extra seasoning can never hurt. Yes, it is a dense quick bread. Love it hot from the oven with butter or toasted/used for grilled cheese.
I've made four loaves so far. Absolutely Delicious.
Woooot! Love hearing that Larry! Thanks for the stars!
can I make this in a bread maker ?
HI Mary, I have no experience with bread makers. If you do tinker and it is a success I'd love your feedback for others 🙂
this is now my go to! I make mini loaves and share!
It is easy and delicious!
Yay! LKove to hear that Sharlene, thanks!