Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels – High Protein Greek Yogurt Dough

Ever wondered how to get that perfect balance of spicy, cheesy goodness in a bagel without spending hours in the kitchen? These jalapeño cheddar bagels are my answer to that craving—and they’re ready in under 30 minutes!

When I first started experimenting with Greek yogurt dough, I was honestly skeptical. It reminded me of when I first tried making our Greek Yogurt Bagels (No Boiling)—simple ingredients, big results. Could something so simple really create that perfect bagel chew? But the first time I pulled these golden beauties from my oven, the aroma of melted cheddar and roasted jalapeños filled my kitchen, and I was instantly transported back to my favorite local bakery. Except these bagels had something special—they were made with love in my own kitchen, with a protein boost from Greek yogurt that makes them extra satisfying.

The way the cheese gets all melty and forms those crispy edges? Pure magic! And those little pops of heat from the jalapeños? They make every bite an adventure. This recipe has become my weekend go-to when I want to treat my family to something special without spending all day in the kitchen, much like our quick and easy 2-Ingredient Protein Bagels. You’re going to love these!

Why You’ll Love These Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels

I’m so thrilled to share this recipe because it combines everything I love—cheese, a bit of spice, and the satisfaction of homemade bread without all the fuss!

• Ready in under 30 minutes – No waiting for dough to rise or complicated techniques!
• Protein-packed – The Greek yogurt adds nutrition while keeping the bagels tender
• No boiling required – Skip the traditional bagel-making steps without sacrificing flavor
• Customizable heat level – Use more or less jalapeño depending on your spice preference
• Perfect for beginners – If you’ve never made bread before, this is the perfect place to start

As my Grandma always said, “The best recipes are the ones that bring people to the table with smiles.” These bagels do exactly that!

Behind the Ingredients

Greek Yogurt: I love using low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for these bagels—it creates the perfect dough texture while adding protein! The tanginess also adds a wonderful flavor dimension.

All-Purpose Flour: Just regular flour from your pantry works perfectly here. I find it creates the ideal bagel texture—not too dense, not too airy.

Jalapeños: These little green peppers bring such wonderful warmth and character to the bagels! I leave some seeds in for extra heat, but you can remove them all for a milder flavor.

Cheddar Cheese: I recommend a sharp cheddar for the boldest flavor, similar to the cheesy twist we use in our Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Bagels. When it melts and gets those crispy edges in the oven—pure heaven!

Baking Powder: This is our rising agent that helps the bagels puff up beautifully without yeast or waiting time.

Egg Wash: Brushing the bagels with whisked egg gives them that gorgeous golden shine that makes them look like they came from a bakery!

Let’s Make It!

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F. Getting your oven nice and hot is key for achieving that perfect bagel crust!

Step 2. Next, I prep my jalapeños—dicing one for mixing into the dough and slicing the other for a pretty topping. My grandma always said that people eat with their eyes first!

Step 3. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly through the dough.

Step 4. Now for the fun part! I add the Greek yogurt and mix initially with a spatula before getting my hands in there. I find there’s nothing better than feeling the dough come together between your fingers.

Step 5. Gently fold in those diced jalapeños and shredded cheddar. I love watching the cheese create little pockets throughout the dough—they’ll become melty treasures after baking!

Step 6. On a lightly floured surface, I knead the dough for just 1-2 minutes. If it feels too sticky, I add a touch more flour until it’s workable but still soft.

Step 7. I divide the dough into 4 equal portions (or 2 if I’m in the mood for jumbo bagels!). Rolling each portion into a 6-inch strand and connecting the ends gives them that classic bagel shape.

Step 8. After placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, I brush each bagel with egg wash for that beautiful golden color, then top with jalapeño slices and extra cheese. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of flakey salt—it makes the flavors pop!

Step 9. Into the oven they go for 18-22 minutes. My kitchen starts to smell amazing about halfway through—that’s how I know they’re working their magic!

Step 10. I let them cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. The hardest part is waiting, but it’s worth it to let those flavors settle!

Keep It Fresh

Storage in the fridge: In my experience, these jalapeño cheddar bagels stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. I like to store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing instructions: These bagels freeze beautifully! I wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They keep their flavor and texture for 2-3 months this way.

Reheating: For the best texture, I slice the bagels before reheating. My favorite method is toasting them until they’re warm and slightly crisp around the edges. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven quality that makes them so wonderful!

Perfect Pairings

Cream Cheese Spread: My family absolutely loves these bagels with a homemade chive cream cheese—or pair them with our Greek Yogurt Blueberry Bagel for a sweet-and-savory breakfast board.

Breakfast Sandwich: Try using these as the base for an egg sandwich with avocado slices, or try our Quick Protein Bagels for another fast, savory base.

Tomato Soup: On chilly days, I serve these alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup. For extra crunch, pair with High-Protein Bagel Bites on the side.

Fresh Fruit: Balance the savory, spicy flavors with a side of fresh fruit. Crisp apple slices or juicy berries create a wonderful contrast.

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