Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels combine the spicy kick of jalapeños with creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, baked to melty perfection on toasted bagel halves. Perfect for a flavorful breakfast or snack, they offer a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors that will satisfy your craving for a spicy, cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagel Popper Mixture
- 5 slices bacon
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 3 bagels, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack (remaining amount from 1 cup total for topping)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, half of the shredded Monterey Jack (1/2 cup), minced jalapeños, garlic powder, the chopped crispy bacon, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble Bagels: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly on the cut halves of the bagels. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of each bagel half.
- Bake: Place the assembled bagel halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the bagels are warmed through and the cheese has completely melted and is slightly bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bagels from the oven and garnish each half with thinly sliced jalapeño rings for extra heat and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy your spicy, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Bagels.
Notes
- For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before mincing and garnishing.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- The bagels can be toasted slightly before adding the toppings for extra crunch.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and jalapeños to your preferred spice and flavor level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
