Craving the perfect balance of spicy heat and cheesy goodness nestled in a fresh, chewy bagel? Say hello to Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels—your new favorite savory bagel recipe made completely from scratch. These bagels combine everything we love about a classic bagel with a zesty twist: the kick of jalapeños paired with the richness of sharp cheddar cheese. Ideal for a brunch table, lunch sandwich base, or a snack straight from the oven, these homemade bagels are easy to make and hard to resist.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to bagel recipes homemade, this guide will walk you through every step. With a handful of ingredients and a bit of kneading love, you’ll be enjoying the aroma of freshly baked, golden, cheese-topped jalapeño bagels in no time.
🔍 What Makes Jalapeño Bagels So Special?
Jalapeño cheddar bagels are an exciting variation of the traditional New York-style bagel. What makes them stand out?
- ✅ Savory & Spicy: The jalapeños bring just the right level of heat, balanced beautifully by creamy cheddar.
- ✅ Made With Real Ingredients: Unlike many store-bought options, these are free from artificial preservatives and flavorings.
- ✅ Better Texture: Boiled before baking, these bagels homemade have a chewy inside and crisp, golden crust.
- ✅ Totally Customizable: Adjust the spice, swap the cheese, or mix in other ingredients like herbs, bacon, or onion.
🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s a full list of ingredients to make 8 large, delicious homemade cheese bagels:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1¼ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
For the Mix-ins & Toppings:
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (or ½ cup pickled jalapeños)
- 1 to 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
🍞 Step-by-Step: How To Make Jalapeño Bagels From Scratch
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing. Continue mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes with a stand mixer, or by hand for 10–12 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
🔄 Troubleshooting Dough: If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add water in teaspoons until it comes together.
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare Cheese and Jalapeños
While the dough is rising:
- Shred the cheddar cheese.
- Slice your jalapeños. Remove seeds for a milder flavor, or keep them for more heat.
Reserve half of the jalapeños and cheese for topping.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Jalapeños to Dough
Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and knead in the remaining half of the cheese and jalapeños. Fold and press until evenly distributed.
🧄 Add-ins Tip: You can also knead in extras like garlic powder, dried herbs, or chopped scallions for more flavor depth.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tight ball. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a hole. Stretch slightly to form a bagel shape with a 1–2 inch hole.
Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tablespoon of baking soda—this creates that signature shiny crust.
Gently lower bagels into the water (2–3 at a time). Boil each side for 45–60 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the tray.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Brush each bagel with an egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
Top generously with the reserved cheddar and jalapeños. Don’t be shy—some will melt beautifully into the crust, and others will crisp up for added texture.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling and slightly crisped.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm, toasted, or at room temperature!
🧑🍳 Expert Tips for Best Bagels
- Use Bread Flour: It has higher protein content for a chewy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Boil: This step locks in moisture and gives the bagels their classic crust.
- Chill the Dough: For even better flavor and chew, let the shaped dough chill in the fridge overnight before boiling.
- Adjust Heat: Use pickled jalapeños for a tangier, less intense heat.
🍽 How to Serve Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
These savory bagels shine on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:
- Breakfast Sandwich: Fill with egg, bacon, and avocado.
- Cream Cheese Heaven: Spread with plain or veggie cream cheese.
- Toasted with Butter: Simple, flavorful, and perfect with coffee.
- Spicy BLT: Add lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon for a zesty take on a classic.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
Short-Term Storage
Keep your jalapeño bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
Freezer-Friendly
Slice bagels in half and freeze in freezer-safe bags. Toast straight from frozen or defrost in the fridge overnight.
🧠 Variations & Customization
Feeling creative? Try these flavor twists:
- Jalapeño Asiago Bagels: Swap cheddar for sharp asiago.
- Jalapeño Everything Bagels: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
- Bacon Jalapeño Bagels: Fold in cooked bacon bits for even more richness.
- Vegan Jalapeño Bagels: Use dairy-free cheese and skip the egg wash.
🥯 Why Make Bagels at Home?
Making bagels homemade isn’t just about the flavor (though that’s a huge part). It’s about the process. You control every ingredient, every topping, and every detail. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling freshly baked bagels from your oven? Unmatched.
- 🏆 Cost-Effective: Make 8 gourmet-style bagels for less than the price of two at a bakery.
- 🥬 Healthier: No preservatives or artificial flavors.
- 🛠 Custom Flavors: Infinite combinations await.
⚖️ Nutritional Info (Per Bagel, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290–320 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
Note: Exact values vary based on cheese type, jalapeño quantity, and toppings.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes! Activate it in warm water with the sugar before adding the flour.
❓ Can I make mini bagels instead?
Absolutely—divide dough into 12–14 portions instead of 8.
❓ Can I skip the cheese?
You can, but then it’s just jalapeño bagels—still tasty, but you’ll miss the creamy richness.
❓ Can I use gluten-free flour?
You’ll need a special gluten-free bread blend with added binders (like xanthan gum) for best results.
