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Jalapeno Bagels

Golden brown jalapeno bagels with everything seasoning on cooling rack
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Homemade jalapeno bagels with authentic chewy texture and perfect spice level. Better than store-bought bagels made in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F to 115°F, not exceeding 120°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup finely diced pickled jalapenos (about one 12 oz jar), plus extra for topping (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg white (optional, for topping adhesion)
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for topping, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried garlic flakes (for topping, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes (for topping, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (for topping, optional)
  • 6 cups water (for boiling)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for boiling)
  • 1–2 tablespoons cornmeal, for dusting

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together warm water (110°F to 115°F), yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly on top. If mixture doesn’t foam, yeast may be expired or water too hot.
  2. Add bread flour, salt, diced pickled jalapenos, and olive oil to yeast mixture. Using dough hook, mix on low speed until shaggy dough forms with no dry flour visible.
  3. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away cleanly from bowl sides. Dough should be tacky but not overly sticky. If too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Dough should pass windowpane test when stretched thin.
  4. Shape dough into a ball and place in lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.
  6. Gently punch down risen dough and turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces (about 4 oz each).
  7. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking edges underneath. Poke finger through center of each ball and gently stretch opening to 2 inches in diameter. Hole will shrink to about 1 inch after boiling and baking. Place shaped bagels on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  8. Cover bagels loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 15-20 minutes while preheating oven and preparing water bath.
  9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  10. In large pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart), bring 6 cups water and 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar to rolling boil. Water should be actively bubbling but not violently boiling.
  11. Working with 2-3 bagels at a time, carefully slide into boiling water. Boil for exactly 1 minute per side (2 minutes total). Bagels should puff slightly and float.
  12. Using slotted spoon or spider strainer, lift bagels from water, letting excess drip off completely, and place back on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  13. If using toppings, immediately brush tops of wet bagels with beaten egg white and sprinkle generously with everything seasoning and extra diced jalapenos.
  14. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until bagels are deep golden brown on top and bottom with shiny, crisp crust.
  15. Transfer bagels immediately to wire cooling rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set proper chewy texture.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for best chewy texture. All-purpose flour will work but won’t give authentic bagel chew.
  • Pickled jalapenos from a 12 oz jar work better than fresh, adding both heat and tangy flavor. Fresh jalapenos can be substituted (use ¾ cup) but add 1 teaspoon white vinegar to dough.
  • Don’t skip the boiling step – it’s essential for that signature bagel crust and chewy texture.
  • Let bagels cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
  • Bagels can be frozen pre-sliced for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/jalapeno-bagel/