Cowboy Candy sharp chedder loaf

Introduction

Cowboy Candy Sharp Cheddar Loaf is a unique and flavorful bread that combines the sweetness of candied jalapeños (often referred to as “cowboy candy”) with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. This savory-sweet loaf is perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a side dish for soups and stews. The combination of flavors creates a delightful contrast that will surprise and please your taste buds.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8-10 servings

Recipe Intensity

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Hands-On Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cowboy candy (candied jalapeños), chopped (plus extra for topping, if desired)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Cowboy Candy

1. Add Cheese and Cowboy Candy: Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and chopped cowboy candy until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thick.

Step 6: Pour into the Loaf Pan

1. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped cowboy candy on top for garnish.

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve: Slice and serve the loaf warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or with butter.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

Cowboy Candy Sharp Cheddar Loaf is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that makes for a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a hearty dish, this loaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing this unique bread with family and friends