Description
These Jalapeño Popper Bagels are a flavorful twist on the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. Crispy bacon, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and fresh jalapeños come together on toasted bagel halves, then baked to melty perfection. Topped with thinly sliced jalapeños for a fresh pop of heat, they make a perfect savory snack or easy breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 bagels, halved
- 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 bacon until it is crisp. Once cooked, remove from skillet and chop into small pieces.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, half a cup of the shredded Monterey Jack, minced jalapeños, garlic powder, chopped bacon, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Bagels: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bagel halves.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the cream cheese layer on each bagel half.
- Bake: Place the assembled bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bagels are warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately garnish with thinly sliced jalapeño rings for an extra kick of heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese with a reduced-fat option.
- To make the bagels crispier, toast them lightly before spreading the cream cheese mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
