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Flavorful Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels Recipe with Easy Smoky Chipotle Cream Cheese

jalapeño cheddar bagels - featured image

These jalapeño cheddar bagels combine a spicy kick with melty cheddar cheese and are perfectly complemented by a smoky chipotle cream cheese spread. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, they offer a chewy texture and bold flavors that are both approachable and addictive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (355 ml) around 110°F (43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 medium jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (170 g)
  • Water for boiling
  • 2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225 g)
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Adjust water or flour if needed.
  4. Incorporate jalapeños and cheddar: Fold diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese evenly into the dough.
  5. First rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape the bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces (~130 g each), roll into balls, and poke holes to form bagel rings 2-3 inches wide.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Boil the bagels: Bring a large pot of water to boil, add baking soda. Boil 2-3 bagels at a time for 1 minute per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on baking sheet.
  9. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
  10. Prepare chipotle cream cheese: Mix softened cream cheese with chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
  11. Serve: Slice bagels and spread with smoky chipotle cream cheese.

Notes

Use fresh jalapeños for best heat and texture; pickled jalapeños can be used but reduce salt. Boiling bagels before baking is essential for chewy crust. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for smooth spread. Avoid overworking dough after adding cheese to prevent greasiness. If bagels don’t puff, check water temperature when activating yeast and avoid crowding in boiling water.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño bagels, cheddar bagels, chipotle cream cheese, spicy bagels, homemade bagels, breakfast bagels, brunch recipe, smoky cream cheese