These Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels are a tasty twist on the classic bagel! Packed with spicy jalapeños and gooey cheddar, they’ll give your breakfast a kick!
Making these bagels is a fun and messy adventure. The smell of baking cheese is simply irresistible! I love to top mine with cream cheese for an extra yummy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is key for chewy bagels. If you can’t find bread flour, all-purpose flour can work, but you may lose some chewiness. Some people like to mix a bit of whole wheat flour for added flavor.
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños add heat and flavor, but if you prefer milder flavors, you can use bell peppers. For a different kick, try serrano peppers or even roasted red peppers for sweetness!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar really enhances the flavor. If you want something milder, use regular cheddar or a cheese like Monterey Jack. Vegan cheese can also be used if you’re avoiding dairy!
Baking Soda: This is crucial for boiling the bagels, as it helps create that chewy bagel crust. Don’t skip it! If you’re out of baking soda, you can use baking powder, but results may vary.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives bagels their texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Push the dough away from you with the palms of your hands.
- Fold the dough back over itself, rotate 90 degrees, and repeat. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- If it’s sticky, add just a little flour gradually to avoid overdoing it.
It may feel a little messy at first, but don’t worry! The dough will come together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked. Happy kneading!
How to Make Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling)
- Optional: 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Coarse salt for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 30 minutes for the dough to rise. After boiling, it will take another 15-20 minutes to bake. So, plan for a bit of patience while you let those delicious bagels rise and bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. This will be the base of your bagels, so make sure everything is mixed together well!
2. Form the Dough:
Gradually pour in the warm water while mixing until a rough dough appears. Don’t worry about being perfect at this stage; just get everything combined!
3. Knead the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface (or using a dough hook in your mixer), knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for that wonderful chewy bagel texture!
4. Add Cheese:
Now, mix in 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the dough using your hands, kneading slightly to make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
5. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size. Use this time to fantasize about those yummy bagels!
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the middle using your finger and stretch it gently to form a bagel shape.
7. Rest the Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for about 15 minutes. They’ll puff up a bit more during this time.
8. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when your bagels are ready.
9. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. Using a slotted spoon, carefully boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side. This step helps create that chewy crust we love!
10. Add the Toppings:
Remove the bagels from the water and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each bagel with the egg wash (if you’re using it) and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Then, add those lovely jalapeño slices, pressing them lightly into the cheese to keep them in place.
11. Bake the Bagels:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and crisp.
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, jalapeño-packed bagels fresh out of the oven!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for These Bagels?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free bread flour blend! Just make sure it’s suitable for baking bagels, as gluten-free dough behaves differently. You might need to adjust the water amount slightly for the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftover bagels, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for freshness!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bagels by adding herbs, spices, or even diced sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a unique flavor twist. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Bagels?
The best way to reheat bagels is to slice them in half and toast them lightly. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through.
