These Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels are packed with flavor! The warm, cheesy goodness meets zesty jalapeños for a perfect breakfast or snack.
They are great fresh out of the oven, and the cheesiness makes them so fun to eat. I like them with a little cream cheese on top—yum! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: Use bread flour for a chewy texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the bagels may turn out less chewy. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free bread flour blend.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for its strong flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use medium cheddar or even pepper jack for extra spice. Vegan cheese works as a substitute too if you’re dairy-free!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give a nice kick. If you can’t handle the heat, feel free to replace them with bell peppers or mild chilies. Pickled jalapeños can also be a tangy alternative.
Sweetener for Boiling Water: The honey or barley malt syrup is there to add a touch of sweetness. You can use regular sugar or maple syrup if you have those on hand.
How Do I Knead Dough to Get a Perfect Texture?
Kneading the dough is key for bagels. It develops gluten, which gives them that chewy texture. Start by mixing everything until just combined. Then, flour your hands and work the dough on a clean surface. Here’s how to knead:
- Push the dough away from you with the palms of your hands.
- Fold it back towards you, give it a quarter turn, and repeat.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
A good tip is to sprinkle flour when needed to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make your bagels dense!
How to Make Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
For the Flavor:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (reserve some slices for topping)
For Boiling:
- Water
- 2 tbsp honey or barley malt syrup
For Topping (optional):
- Black sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep time and around 2 hours for rising and baking, so be ready for a fun cooking session of about 2 hours and 20 minutes total. You’ll be rewarded with delicious bagels by the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix everything together so it’s well blended.
2. Add liquids:
Slowly pour in the warm water and olive oil (if you’re using it) while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Keep going until the mixture forms a rough dough.
3. Add flavorings:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños (remember to save some jalapeño slices for later). Knead the dough until everything is well blended, and the texture is smooth and elastic. This should take about 8-10 minutes if you’re doing it by hand or 6-7 minutes in a stand mixer.
4. First rise:
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the bagels:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch it to about 2 inches wide to form a bagel shape.
6. Second rise:
Place the shaped bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven and prepare boiling water:
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water mixed with honey or barley malt syrup to a gentle boil.
8. Boil the bagels:
Carefully drop 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water using a slotted spoon or spatula. Let them boil for about 1 minute on each side, then remove and set them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Add toppings:
While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and place your reserved jalapeño slices on top. If you like, add some black sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor!
10. Bake:
Put your bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
11. Cool and serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy your spicy jalapeño cheddar bagels warm or at room temperature!
These bagels are loaded with flavor and are sure to impress anyone who tries them! Happy baking!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be less chewy. If you have bread flour on hand, it gives the best results for bagels!
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply toast them straight from the freezer!
Can I Make These Bagels Less Spicy?
Absolutely! You can reduce the number of jalapeños or use milder peppers like bell peppers. Alternatively, you can omit the jalapeños altogether for a cheesy bagel without the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Bagels?
The best way to reheat bagels is in a toaster or toaster oven until they are warm and slightly crispy. You can also wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
