Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels are a deliciously cheesy, spicy snack perfect for breakfast or a savory treat. Crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and fresh jalapeños combined on toasted bagels create a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 5 slices bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly and Garnish
- 3 bagels, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (reserved for topping)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and cook bacon: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the 5 slices of bacon until they are crispy. Remove from skillet, drain excess fat on paper towels, and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, minced jalapeños, garlic powder, chopped bacon, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the bagels: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each bagel half. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of each spread bagel half.
- Bake the bagels: Arrange the prepared bagels on a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the bagels are warmed through and the cheese topping has melted nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the bagels from the oven and immediately garnish each half with thinly sliced jalapeño rings for an extra kick and attractive presentation. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños or omit seeds for less heat if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon bits.
- Softening the cream cheese before mixing makes it easier to blend with other ingredients.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- These bagels are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.
