Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels are a deliciously spicy and cheesy treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sharpness of cheddar and the heat of jalapeños, all baked atop toasted bagels, they deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagels
- 4 bagels (choose your favorite flavor or gluten-free)
Cheese Spread
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat or vegan)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (or substitute with pepper jack for spice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 medium jalapeños (roasted or pickled, diced)
Additional Toppings
- 2 slices bacon (optional, crispy and crumbled)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bagels.
- Toast Bagels: Slice the bagels in half and lightly toast them for about 5 minutes to create a crisp base.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy jalapeño cheese mixture over each toasted bagel half.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the cheese mixture, if using, for added flavor and texture.
- Bake Bagels: Place the prepared bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped chives or cilantro for freshness.
Notes
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.
- Jalapeños can be roasted for a smoky flavor or pickled for tanginess.
- Bacon is optional and can be omitted to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Brush bagel halves with olive oil or butter before toasting for a richer taste.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and skip the bacon.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftover bagels can be reheated in the oven.
