Spicy Jalapeño Bagels That Bring the Heat (No Cheese)

Spicy Jalapeño Bagels are the perfect way to wake up your taste buds with a double dose of heat from fresh jalapeños and dried red peppers. These homemade bagels skip the cheese and let the pure spicy flavors shine through every single bite.

I still remember the first time I made these in my kitchen – the aroma of baking peppers filled the entire house, and my husband came running to see what smelled so incredible. There’s something magical about combining fresh and dried peppers in bread that creates layers of heat and flavor you just can’t get from store-bought bagels.

What makes this recipe special is how the jalapeños add that bright, fresh kick while the dried red peppers bring a deeper, smoky heat that builds with each bite. The beauty is in the simplicity – no cheese to mask the pepper flavors, just pure spicy goodness that spice lovers will absolutely devour.

You’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Jalapeño Bagel Recipe

I’ve been perfecting this recipe in my kitchen for years, and it’s become my go-to whenever we want something with serious heat. The combination of fresh and dried peppers creates this incredible depth of spice that gets better with every bite, much like the smoky-sweet layers in our Pumpkin Bagels – it’s like having two different types of heat dancing on your tongue.

• Double the spice, double the flavor – Fresh jalapeños bring brightness while dried red peppers add smoky depth
• No cheese needed – Pure pepper flavors shine through without any dairy to dull the heat
• Same-day recipe – No overnight fermentation required, so you can make and enjoy them today
• Perfect for spice lovers – These bagels pack serious heat that won’t disappoint anyone craving kick
• Consistently delicious results – Tested repeatedly in my kitchen until every batch comes out golden and perfectly spicy
• Great for meal prep – Makes 12 bagels that store well for quick spicy breakfasts all week, similar to how we batch our High-Protein Bagel Bites

My Homemade Jalapeño Bagel vs Regular Store-Bought Bagels

Nutrient	Homemade Spicy Jalapeño	Regular Store-Bought	Winner
Calories	210	270	🏆 Homemade
Total Fat	1.5g	2g	🏆 Homemade
Carbs	42g	53g	🏆 Homemade
Sugar	2g	6g	🏆 Homemade
Sodium	290mg	450mg	🏆 Homemade

Ingredient Note List

Lukewarm Water: I always use water that’s just warm to the touch because it activates the yeast perfectly without killing it, creating the ideal environment for your dough to rise.

Dry Yeast: This is what gives your bagels that perfect chewy texture and helps them rise beautifully during the fermentation process.

Salt: Not just for flavor – salt strengthens the dough structure and helps control the yeast activity for consistently good results.

Sugar: The small amount of sugar feeds the yeast and helps create that gorgeous golden-brown color when your spicy jalapeño bagels bake.

All-Purpose Flour: I prefer using regular flour because it creates the perfect chewy texture that makes homemade bagels so satisfying to bite into.

Fresh Jalapeños: These bring that bright, fresh heat and add little pops of spice throughout each bite – make sure to chop them evenly for consistent distribution.

Dried Red Peppers: In my kitchen, I prefer using dried red pepper flakes because they add a deeper, smokier heat that complements the fresh jalapeños perfectly.

How to Cook Spicy Jalapeño Bagels

Step 1. I usually start by mixing the lukewarm water, dry yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, stirring until everything dissolves completely – this creates the perfect base for your dough.

Step 2. Add the 5 cups of flour and chopped jalapeños to the water mixture, then mix everything together until it forms a rough ball that holds together.

Step 3. My grandma always said that kneading is where the magic happens, so knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes stiff and smooth, adding more flour if it feels too sticky.

Step 4. I’ve found that adding the dried red peppers after the initial kneading distributes them more evenly, so knead them in for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 5. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes – this brief rest makes shaping so much easier and gives the gluten time to relax.

Step 6. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each one into a cigar shape, then connect the ends by overlapping them about ¾ inch and rolling the joint together securely.

Step 7. My husband prefers when I make sure the joints are really secure because loose ends will come apart during boiling – press and roll them firmly.

Step 8. Cover the shaped bagels with a damp towel and let them rise for 1 to 1½ hours in a warm spot until they’re noticeably puffed.

Step 9. Bring 1-2 gallons of water to a rolling boil in your largest pot – the more water, the better your bagels will hold their shape.

Step 10. I usually boil the bagels until they float to the surface (15-30 seconds), then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Step 11. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until they’re golden brown – I’ve learned that the perfect color means perfect texture inside.

How to Store & Reheat Spicy Jalapeño Bagels

I usually store any leftover spicy jalapeño bagels in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh and maintain their texture for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture from making them soggy.

For longer storage, I recommend slicing them first, then wrapping individual bagels in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months, and having them pre-sliced makes morning toasting so much easier.

For best results, I like to reheat these bagels by toasting them directly from frozen – no thawing needed. If they’ve just been stored at room temperature, a quick toast brings back that perfect crispy exterior and warm, spicy interior that makes them taste freshly baked.

What to Serve with Spicy Jalapeño Bagels

Cream Cheese: The cool, creamy texture provides the perfect contrast to the heat while letting the spicy flavors still shine through – it’s my go-to pairing every morning. You might also enjoy it with our Whipped Cream Cheese for extra fluffiness.

Fried Eggs: In my kitchen, I often top these bagels with a fried egg for protein. Pair that with something simple like our Healthy Breakfast Bread on the side.

Fresh Avocado: The buttery smoothness of sliced avocado cools down the heat naturally and adds a creamy element that complements the peppers beautifully.

Sharp Cheddar: If you want even more intensity, sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly over these bagels and adds a tangy bite that stands up to the spice.

Crispy Bacon: The smoky, salty flavor of bacon pairs wonderfully with the pepper heat – or try it in a sandwich with Mini Bagels for a fun twist.

Fresh Tomato Slices: During summer, I love adding fresh tomato slices – especially alongside our Vegan Lox Bagels for a brunch-style board.

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