Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels combine spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese and crispy bacon on toasted bagels, baked to golden perfection. A perfect savory snack or breakfast treat packed with bold flavors and gooey texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagels
- 4 bagels (choose your favorite flavor or gluten-free)
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat or vegan option)
- 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)
Toppings and Finishing
- 2 slices bacon (optional, cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for brushing the bagels)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bagels to a crispy finish.
- Toast Bagels: Slice each bagel in half horizontally and lightly toast them in the oven or toaster for about 5 minutes until they begin to crisp but are not fully cooked.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared cheese and jalapeño mixture over the toasted halves of the bagels, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle crumbled bacon pieces on top of the cheese mixture for a smoky, savory layer. This step is optional depending on dietary preference.
- Bake Bagels: Arrange the topped bagels on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped chives or cilantro to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a spicier version, include the seeds when dicing jalapeños.
- Use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- Bacon can be omitted or substituted with plant-based bacon for dietary restrictions.
- To save time, jalapeños can be substituted with pickled jalapeños for added tang.
- Bagels can be brushed with olive oil or butter before toasting for extra crispiness and flavor.
