These spicy jalapeño cheddar bagels are a tasty twist on a classic! With a nice kick from jalapeños and a cheesy flavor, they’re great for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, who can resist warm, cheesy bagels? I love them fresh out of the oven, maybe with a bit of cream cheese. Talk about a perfect way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This recipe calls for bread flour because it has a higher protein content, giving bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead, but the texture might be slightly different.
Active Dry Yeast: One packet of yeast is needed to help the dough rise. If you’re out of dry yeast, you can use instant yeast; just skip the activation step as it can be added directly to the flour.
Chel Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds flavor. If you’re looking for a milder option, you could use mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give these bagels their spicy kick. If you want it less spicy, removing the seeds works wonders. Alternatively, try using pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil: This is for greasing. You can substitute with olive oil or any neutral oil you have on hand.
How Do I Get My Bagels to Have That Perfect Chewy Texture?
To achieve that classic bagel chewiness, boiling the bagels before baking is crucial. This step helps develop the texture and ensures a wonderful crust.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in baking soda, which helps create a shiny, brown crust.
- Boil the bagels 2-3 at a time for 1 minute on each side. This makes them nice and chewy!
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels so excess water drains off.
Don’t skip this step, as it’s what sets bagels apart from other breads! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
For the Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeded if less heat desired)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
For Boiling:
- 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling water)
Optional:
- Cream cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2-2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes in preparation, 1-1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and then around 30 minutes for boiling and baking. It’s a fun process that ends with delicious bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir lightly, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work!
2. Make Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mix and stir until combined. Now, knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Your dough should feel soft and springy!
3. Add Cheese:
Take 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and knead it into the dough until it’s evenly mixed in. You want the cheesy flavor to be distributed throughout!
4. First Rise:
Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough in it, and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which will take around 1-1.5 hours. This is when the dough will get all fluffy!
5. Shape Bagels:
Once risen, punch the dough down to release some air and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger, gently stretching it to create a 2-3 inch hole. Voila, bagel shapes!
6. Add Jalapeños and Cheese Topping:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press a few jalapeño slices and sprinkle some of the remaining shredded cheddar on top of each bagel for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Boil Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the baking soda. Boil the bagels in batches of 2-3 for 1 minute on each side using a slotted spoon. This step is essential for giving your bagels that perfect chewy texture!
8. Bake:
After boiling, return the bagels to the baking sheet. Then, bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisped on top.
9. Cool and Serve:
Let your bagels cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve these tasty treats warm or at room temperature. They’re especially delicious with a spread of cream cheese on top!
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy jalapeño bagels—great for breakfast or a snack anytime!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser. For best results, consider using half bread flour and half whole wheat flour to maintain some chewiness while adding flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Jalapeños?
If fresh jalapeños aren’t available, you can use pickled jalapeños or jarred slices for a milder option. Just adjust the amount to your heat preference!
Can I Freeze the Bagels After Baking?
Absolutely! Let the bagels cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can seed the jalapeños before slicing or reduce the amount used. Alternatively, you might want to add a milder cheese, like mozzarella, to balance the heat while still offering some cheesy goodness.
