Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels combine spicy roasted jalapeños, creamy cheese, and optional crispy bacon to create a deliciously cheesy and spicy snack or breakfast. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, these bagels are perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors with a gooey texture.
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 pepper jack for extra spice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 medium jalapeños (roasted or pickled, diced)
Optional Toppings
- 2 slices bacon (cooked 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 is hot and ready for baking the assembled bagels.
- Toast Bagels: Slice the bagels in half horizontally. Lightly toast the cut sides in the oven or toaster oven for about 5 minutes to create a slightly crisp base.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bagels: Evenly spread the cheese and jalapeño mixture over the toasted halves of each bagel to cover the surface generously.
- Add Bacon Bits (Optional): Sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon over the cream cheese spread on each bagel half if using bacon for added savory flavor.
- Bake Bagels: Arrange the bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese mixture is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally garnish with fresh chives or cilantro for a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
- Roasting jalapeños before dicing adds a smoky flavor, but pickled jalapeños work well for added tang.
- Adjust the quantity of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free bagels to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover popper bagels can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
