Jalapeno Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread

You know the cheddar biscuits you get at Red Lobster? That is what this bread tastes like... only with the added kick of jalapeno! You make it in one pan, and then pull off bite size pieces for the perfect size bite!

I made this recipe in the Ninja Foodi PC & AC, because... well, I LOVE it! It's one kitchen appliance that pretty much does everything I could ask for, and this Jalapeno Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread is a perfect example.

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When Jeff took the first bite of my test batch, he said, "these taste like the Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits."

Okay. Is that a good thing? I had no idea because I've never had a Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuit, but apparently it's a good thing, according to Jeff.

So, if you want to make something a little closer to an actual cheddar biscuit, you can use this recipe and leave out the jalapeno and form them into a biscuit shape instead. They will be delicious.

If you want to bake the biscuits in the Ninja Foodi, follow this recipe for Homemade Biscuits in the Ninja Foodi for timing and they should be wonderful!

I decided to turn the dough into a pull-apart bread, because... well, I've never made something like this before and it sounded fun.

Is it a Bread or Biscuit-like?

I would definitely say this jalapeno cheddar pull-apart bread is more like a biscuit than a bread. The inside is nice and fluffy with an outside crunch like a biscuit.

There isn't any yeast used and no rising time, so, while it could be considered a quick bread... I'm going with biscuit.

It's super easy to make, so even if you don't think you can make biscuits, you can make this bread.

What Pan Can I use to Make this bread in the Ninja Foodi?

This is where things always get so interesting when baking in the Ninja Foodi. The pan really does matter, and I tested a lot of different ways of making this bread. One pan stood out over the rest every time.

That is this beautiful flower pan from Home Pressure Cooking. Seriously, it's so cute and makes the most stunning breads, desserts, and other types of food. I'm not one to care so much about cute, though. I want to choose the best pan for the job, and this one is it for a few reasons.

• It's exactly the right size.
• It has a center which helps everything cook evenly
• It's non-stick and thick-walled

I've made several things in the flower pan and have been happy with them all. This recipe for Banana Bread with Praline Topping is a perfect example! When I tell you nothing sticks, I mean it. Even the sugary topping didn't stick one bit.

If you haven't grabbed one yet, you can buy one RIGHT HERE: Flower Pan on Amazon

Not only does the flower pan work incredibly well for cakes and breads, it also is perfect for beautiful egg casseroles. Here is one Debbie from Home Pressure Cooking made. It's a Pizza Omelette! How interesting is that one? It sure sounds delicious!

You can also try your hand at making some beer bread! Here is a new recipe from Home Pressure Cooking: How to Make Beer Bread in the Ninja Foodi

I also tried the Fat Daddio Ring Pan and that would have worked fine, but the bread stuck and was a mess.

I tried the pizza pan (the round pan with holes) with a biscuit cutter in the center and that didn't work at all.

Can you use a different pan? Of course! Just make sure it is greased well and has a center. A bundt pan would probably work the best. In fact, I tried the bundt pan I have from Pampered Chef and it was just a little too big, so the bread kind of looked funny when it came out.

If you are using a bundt pan that is dark coated, follow the same instructions as for the flower pan. If you are using a light colored pan, I would increase the temp by 25° and keep an eye on the tops. If they are getting too done before the bread is finished cooking, drop down the heat some.

I don't recommend doubling the recipe to fit a bigger pan because the center will have trouble getting done all the way. If you use a different pan, just know that your bread will be shorter. It will taste the same, though; and that is what matters!

Variations to Jalapeno Chedder Pull-Apart Bread

Add Bacon! I seriously wish I would have thought of that before I was on test 25 of this recipe. That would be so good!

Omit the Jalapeno peppers. If you don't want a kick, just leave them out.

Add some onions and peppers, but make sure to dice them small and don't add too many!

You can turn this into a taco pull apart bread very easily by adding in a little taco meat that is fully cooked and well-drained, some taco seasonings and Mexican cheese.

What sounds good to you? Whatever it is, I'll bet you can make it!

How Long will The Jalapeno Cheddar Bread Last and How do I Store it?

I have to be honest here, it hasn't lasted long enough for me to answer these questions by experience, so, I'm just going to have to give suggestions.

It will last on the counter about 30 minutes because you and your family will walk by and grab a piece over and over. Ask me how I know.

I would wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge, since it is made with cheese. The bread should last at least 5 days in the fridge.

You can also wrap it well and freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure the bread is completely cool before placing in the freezer or you will end up with ice crystals from the steam.

Can I make this bread without using the Ninja Foodi?

Of course. Just follow the instructions and preheat your oven to 425℉/220℃, and then bake uncovered for about 20 minutes.

Keep an eye on the bread and, if the top is getting too done, drop the heat some.

How to make Jalapeno Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread in the Ninja Foodi

Preheat the Ninja Foodi on Broil for 10 minutes. You do this first because the bread comes together in a short time and you'll most likely be ready to bake it in just about 10 minutes.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-size mixing bowl. Stir to combine and then add in cold, sliced butter.

I like to use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour, but you can also use a fork. You want to cut the butter into the flour until you see pebbles forming where the flour and butter are coming together.

Next, make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in the sour cream and water. Mix until combined.

Next add in the cheddar cheese and stir to combine. I used shredded cheese right from the bag, but you can also grate your own. Add in the diced jalapeno peppers and stir to combine.

Your dough will still be very loose and crumbly, do not worry. It will come together in the next step.

Now it's time to form the dough ball. Lightly flour your work surface. I used about 2 tablespoon of flour. Dump out the loose dough onto the work surface and press it gently. Then, fold it back towards you and press. Gather up the loose flour each time and repeat this until you have incorporated all of the ingredients. Try not to overwork the dough, because you don't want to melt all the butter with the heat from your hands. If it is really hot in your kitchen, you can refrigerate the dough for a few minutes, if needed.

It might be easier to see this step in action, so here is a short video:

Butter your pan really well. I find using this silicone pastry brush works great for getting into the groves.

Next, form the balls. Break off about a Tablespoon of the dough and form a ball. Place the balls in the pan, layering them. I usually stagger the balls a little and leave space in between them to allow for rising.

Place the pan on the rack in the low position, uncovered, and lower into the preheated Ninja Foodi. If it took you longer than 10 minutes to make the dough, you may want to heat it up for a few minutes to make sure it is really hot when the pan goes in. This helps with rising and baking evenly.

Select the bake/roast function on 375℉/190℃ for 15 minutes. Do not open the lid for the first 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, check the bread for even browning and move the pan around if one side is getting more done than the other.

I have found that 15 minutes is the perfect timing for the pan I used. If you are using a different pan, you may need to cook longer or even less time, so please keep an eye on your bread. You can also take a temp of the bread and when it hits 200℉/93℃ it is done.

Remove the Jalapeno Cheddar Pull-Apart Bread from the Ninja Foodi and take it off of the rack. Turn the pan over onto a cooling rack and lift the pan up. If you meet resistance and the bread doesn't come out easily, run a cake tester around the edges to loosen it.

Allow to cool a few minutes, and then serve!

I dipped mine in a really simple dipping sauce of 2 tablespoon melted butter, 2 tablespoon of honey, and 2 teaspoon of Cholula hot sauce. Delish!