Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
There is something truly delightful about homemade bagels that bring warm comfort right from your own kitchen, and this Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Combining the creamy tang of Greek yogurt with the spicy kick of jalapenos and the rich sharpness of cheddar cheese, these bagels are a flavor-packed treat that’s both easy and fun to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first bagel, this recipe will quickly become a favorite, offering a wonderful balance of soft, chewy texture and bold, savory taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony to create bagels bursting with flavor and character. Each one plays a critical role, from the tang of yogurt that tenderizes the dough to the cheese and jalapenos that add excitement and zest.
- All-purpose flour (125 grams): Forms the sturdy yet soft base of your bagels, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking powder (10 grams): Helps the bagels rise gently without yeast, making this recipe quicker and fuss-free.
- Salt (1.5 grams): Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and spice of the jalapenos.
- Low-fat Greek yogurt (240 grams): Keeps the bagels moist and tender while adding a pleasant tangy undertone.
- Large egg (1, whisked): Used for brushing the tops to create a beautiful golden shine and to help toppings stick.
- Jalapeno peppers (2 small): One finely diced to weave spicy bursts inside, and one thinly sliced for a striking, flavorful topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (60 grams plus extra): Infuses creamy, sharp notes evenly throughout the dough and as a luscious topping.
How to Make Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Jalapenos
First things first, get your oven preheated to 200°C (400°F). While that’s warming up, prepare your jalapenos—dice one finely to fold inside the dough for peppery pops of heat, and slice the other thinly for garnish that adds bright color and extra zing on top.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Taking this simple step carefully ensures an even rise and balanced seasoning, which are keys to that perfect bagel texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the Greek yogurt to your flour mixture, then mix with a rubber spatula until a dough just begins to form. Switch to your hands for kneading, incorporating everything into a cohesive dough. If the dough sticks too much, dust your hands lightly with flour — this keeps things neat and manageable.
Step 4: Fold in Jalapenos and Cheese
Gently fold the diced jalapenos and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough so they’re evenly spread. This step is where the bagel’s vibrant flavor really begins to shine, as spicy, creamy bits become pockets of deliciousness throughout.
Step 5: Knead and Shape
Transfer your dough to a floured surface and knead gently for 2 to 3 minutes until smoother. Then divide the dough depending on your size preference—four portions for smaller bagels or two for a classic large. Roll each piece into a 15 cm strand and pinch the ends together tightly to form that iconic ring shape.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place your beautifully shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with the beaten egg to give a gorgeous golden finish after baking. Top with a few jalapeno slices, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, and if you like, add a pinch of flaky salt for an irresistible finish.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown color on top, signaling perfect doneness. After baking, allow them to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this resting time helps the bagel texture settle.
Step 8: Toast to Perfection
Before serving, slice each bagel in half and toast for a couple of minutes until the interior crisps slightly. The toasting step elevates the texture beautifully, giving a perfect contrast between crunchy crust and soft, chewy crumb.
How to Serve Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, think fresh and bright: a smear of cream cheese complements the spicy cheddar bagels beautifully, while a few extra jalapeno slices or a sprinkle of chives add a dash of color and flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
These bagels pair wonderfully with simple sides like fresh greens tossed in light vinaigrette, or a bowl of hearty chili for a fun, comforting combination. They can also shine alongside scrambled eggs or an avocado salad to round out breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe up a notch by slicing and stuffing them with smoked salmon, baby spinach, and a dollop of horseradish cream. Or, turn them into mini sliders by adding grilled chicken and crunchy pickles for a snack that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and chewy. For best texture, bring bagels back to life by a quick toast before serving.
Freezing
These bagels freeze wonderfully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy them anytime without fuss.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover bagels by toasting them directly from frozen or after thawing—they toast up crisp on the outside while staying soft inside, just like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without jalapenos?
Absolutely! If you prefer less spice, you can leave out the jalapenos or substitute them with mild peppers or herbs like chives or green onions to keep that fresh vegetable note.
Is it possible to make these bagels vegan?
This particular Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe relies on Greek yogurt, egg, and cheddar cheese, so for a vegan version, you’d want to replace the yogurt and cheese with plant-based alternatives and omit the egg—or use a vegan egg wash substitute.
How do these bagels compare to traditional yeast bagels?
These bagels don’t use yeast but baking powder, which makes them quicker and less fussy. They have a softer, slightly cakier texture rather than the chewy, dense bite of traditional yeast bagels, but the flavor is equally delicious and satisfying.
Can I use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of low-fat?
Definitely! Full-fat Greek yogurt will make the bagels even richer and moister. The choice between low-fat and full-fat can depend on your taste preference or dietary needs.
What’s the best way to dice jalapenos safely?
Wear kitchen gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapenos to avoid irritation, and make sure to remove the seeds if you want to reduce heat. Using a sharp knife will make dicing easier and more precise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful baking project that delivers comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness all in one, this Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe is your new go-to. It’s approachable enough to make any day feel special and adaptable enough to fit your personal taste. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with bagel-making all over again!
Print
Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2 regular-size bagels or 4 smaller bagels) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Jalapeno Cheddar Yogurt Bagels combine the creamy tanginess of low-fat Greek yogurt with the spicy kick of jalapenos and rich cheddar cheese. A quick and easy baking recipe that yields soft, flavorful bagels perfect for a savory snack or breakfast treat.
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
Additional Ingredients
- 2 small jalapeno peppers, deseeded optionally; one diced, one sliced
- 60 grams shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Jalapenos: Dice one jalapeno finely and slice the other into thin rounds, setting both aside for later use in the dough and topping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Dough: Add the Greek yogurt to the dry mixture and begin mixing with a rubber spatula until the dough starts to form. Knead with hands to achieve a cohesive dough, adding flour to hands if dough is too sticky.
- Add Jalapeno and Cheese: Fold in the diced jalapeno and 60 grams shredded cheddar cheese gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until it becomes smoother and manageable.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions for smaller bagels or two portions for regular size. Roll each into a 15 cm strand and pinch the ends together to form a ring.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the formed bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush each with the whisked egg, top with 2–3 jalapeno slices, and sprinkle additional cheddar cheese and a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes until the tops develop a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow bagels to cool for 5–10 minutes. Before serving, slice in half and toast for 2 minutes to crisp the interior.
Notes
- Deseeding jalapenos is optional to adjust spice level.
- For softer bagels, avoid over-kneading the dough.
- Additional cheddar cheese on top enhances flavor and browning.
- Toasting sliced bagels before serving gives a crisp texture inside.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
