If you are craving a bagel that’s bursting with bold flavors and a delightful texture, the Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These bagels are a fantastic twist on the classic, combining the creamy tang of Greek yogurt with the spicy kick of jalapenos and the savory richness of cheddar cheese. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, each bite delivers a harmonious balance of heat, cheesiness, and subtle tang, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a snack with a little flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these bagels requires just a handful of simple ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect flavor, crumb, and color. You’ll find that the combination is straightforward but powerful — no complicated steps or exotic ingredients, just kitchen staples with a spicy cheesy twist.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the structure and chewiness essential for a good bagel texture.
- Baking powder: Acts as a gentle leavening agent to give the bagels a slight lift without the need for yeast.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese and yogurt.
- Low-fat Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, creating a tender crumb and tender bite.
- Large egg: Used to brush the tops for a gorgeous golden finish and to help the toppings stick.
- Jalapeno peppers: One diced for mixing in, one sliced for topping — they bring that vibrant pop of heat that makes these bagels special.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted right into the dough and sprinkled on top for delicious gooey pockets of cheesy flavor.
How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Jalapenos
Start by setting your oven to 200°C (400°F) so it’s ready when your bagels are formed and shaped. While the oven warms, dice one jalapeno finely to incorporate into the dough and slice the other into thin rounds for a visually appealing and flavorful topping. Removing the seeds is optional but helps keep the heat manageable.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly combined, which will help the dough rise and bake uniformly without any salty or powdery pockets.
Step 3: Combine Yogurt and Flour
Add the low-fat Greek yogurt into the bowl and mix with a rubber spatula until the dough begins to pull together. Switch to your hands and knead gently; if the dough feels sticky, a light dusting of flour on your hands will help. This step develops the dough’s texture and starts to build the bagel’s characteristic chewiness.
Step 4: Fold in Jalapeno and Cheddar
Gently fold the diced jalapeno and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough with care to distribute the flavors evenly without crushing the texture. This is the moment when those bold, spicy, and cheesy notes get infused throughout the dough.
Step 5: Knead and Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 2 to 3 minutes until it smooths out and feels easier to handle. Divide the dough into your preferred portions: two for large bagels or four for smaller sizes. Roll each piece into a 15 cm long strand, then carefully pinch the ends together to form perfect rings.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the whisked egg — this will give them that irresistible glossy, golden crust. Top each with a few jalapeno slices and sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese. A sprinkle of flaky salt at this point is optional but recommended for an added depth of flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color on top. This ensures the crust is crisp and the cheese topping is melted and slightly caramelized for that perfect savory finish.
Step 8: Cool and Toast
Allow the bagels to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking. Before serving, slice them in half and toast for 2 minutes to sharpen the texture and awaken those cheesy, spicy flavors with a delightful crunch on the inside.
How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
These bagels are fantastic on their own, but adding a little extra flair with fresh garnishes can elevate the experience. Try spreading cream cheese for creamy contrast or a schmear of tangy sour cream to complement the jalapenos. Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro add a vibrant pop of freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich cheddar.
Side Dishes
The Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe shines even brighter when paired with sides that balance the heat and savoriness. Consider a crisp mixed green salad, fresh cut veggies, or even a cooling cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs make a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning these bagels into mini sandwiches stuffed with smoked turkey, avocado, and baby spinach for lunch. They also work beautifully as a base for open-faced bagel pizzas with tomato sauce and extra cheese. For a fun brunch twist, offer a build-your-own bagel station with a variety of toppings, spreads, and veggies, letting everyone personalize their bagel experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover bagels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining much of their flavor and texture, making a quick and tasty breakfast or snack later.
Freezing
To keep these bagels even longer, freezing is an excellent option. After baking and cooling, wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 2 months without losing that fresh-baked taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, slice the bagel in half and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the inside. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bagels chewy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
While regular yogurt can be used, Greek yogurt is preferred for its thicker texture and higher protein content, which help create a denser, chewier bagel. Regular yogurt might result in a softer dough and a less structured bagel.
Are the jalapenos in this Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe very spicy?
The heat level is moderate and depends on how many seeds you leave in the jalapenos. Deseeding reduces the spiciness considerably, so feel free to adjust according to your heat tolerance. The creamy cheddar and yogurt also help mellow the spice.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Since this recipe relies on Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese, going vegan or dairy-free would require substitutions like plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives. However, these swaps can affect the texture and flavor, so some experimentation might be needed.
Is it possible to make these bagels gluten-free?
All-purpose flour is key for the traditional bagel texture here. Using gluten-free flour blends might work for the dough but will likely yield a different, softer texture. Look for gluten-free baking recipes that are specifically designed for bagels if you need to avoid gluten.
How soon should I eat these bagels after baking?
These bagels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven or within the first day. That said, once cooled and toasted, they remain delicious for a couple of days. Storing and reheating properly ensures they keep their wonderful taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this fantastic Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe down, I encourage you to dive right in and give it a try. It’s an approachable, flavor-packed way to brighten up any mealtime and impress friends or family with something a little different. Once you taste the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and tangy in these bagels, I promise they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.
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Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2 regular size or 4 smaller bagels)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels are a quick and easy homemade bagel recipe combining the tangy creaminess of low-fat Greek yogurt with spicy jalapeno peppers and sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to a golden brown, these bagels are perfect for a savory breakfast or snack, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a soft yet chewy texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 10 grams baking powder
- 1.5 grams salt
Wet Ingredients
- 240 grams low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg, whisked (for dough brushing)
Add-ins
- 2 small jalapeno peppers, deseeded optionally; one diced, one sliced
- 60 grams shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bagels evenly.
- Prepare Jalapenos: Dice one jalapeno finely and slice the other into thin rounds. Set both aside separately for mixing into the dough and topping the bagels later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Add the low-fat Greek yogurt to the dry mixture. Stir with a rubber spatula until the dough begins to come together, then knead with your hands until it forms a cohesive ball. Add a little flour to your hands if the dough feels too sticky.
- Incorporate Jalapeno and Cheese: Gently fold the diced jalapeno and 60 grams of shredded cheddar cheese into the dough to distribute the flavors evenly throughout.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until the texture is smooth and manageable.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions for smaller bagels or two portions for regular size. Roll each portion into a 15 cm long strand, then pinch the ends together to form a bagel ring.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each bagel with the whisked egg to promote browning. Top each with 2–3 jalapeno slices, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese, and optionally add a pinch of flaky salt for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Toast: Allow the bagels to cool for 5–10 minutes on a wire rack. Before serving, slice them in half and toast for 2 minutes to crisp the interior and bring out the flavors.
Notes
- Optionally deseed the jalapenos for a milder heat level.
- Use Greek yogurt for the best texture and tanginess; full-fat or low-fat both work fine.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on bagel size and oven variations.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based yogurt.
- These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer keeping.
