These High Protein Cheddar Jalapeño Bagels are the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and satisfying texture. Made with cottage cheese for a protein boost, these bagels are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Topped with melty cheddar and fresh jalapeño slices, they bake up golden brown and delicious—ideal for a quick breakfast, snack, or sandwich.

A jalapeno bagel cut in half. One of the slices has cream cheese spread on top, and the bagel is on a white plate.

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    Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

    • Knead Well, but Don’t Overdo It. Kneading helps develop structure, but too much can make the bagels dense. A few minutes is plenty!
    • Flour Your Hands. The dough can be sticky, so lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
    • Customize the Heat Level. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño slices. For extra heat, keep the seeds!

    Ingredients

    • All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness. It helps create a sturdy yet soft bagel.
    • Full-Fat Cottage Cheese – The secret ingredient that boosts protein while keeping the bagels moist and tender.
    • Baking Powder – Helps the bagels rise, giving them a light, fluffy texture without the need for yeast.
    • Salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, and balances the richness of the cheese and the heat of the jalapeños.
    • Large Egg – Brushed on before baking, it gives the bagels a beautiful golden-brown crust and a slight sheen.
    • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds bold cheesy flavor and a crispy, golden finish to the bagels.
    • Jalapeño – Adds the perfect amount of heat and a very subtle crunch, to make every bite flavorful! Keep the seeds if you like extra spice!

    How to Make High Protein Cheddar Jalapeño Bagels

    • Add flour and greek yogurt to a large bowl. Mix to combine (I typically use my hands) to form a shaggy dough.
    Jalapeno bagel dough in a white mixing bowl.
    1. Continue to knead with your hands until it forms into a ball. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for another 2-3 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes.
    2. Divide the dough into 4 pieces then roll each piece into a ball. Let the balls rest for 10 minutes. Poke a hole in the center of each ball using your fingers then stretch the dough to create a bagel shape. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
    A hand holding a ball of bagel dough.
    Finger poking a hole into the ball of bagel dough.
    1. Transfer the bagels to the prepared baking sheet and brush them with egg wash. Sprinkle cheese on top then sliced jalapenos.
    Brushing bagels with egg wash.
    Bagels topped with shredded cheese and jalapeno slices.
    1. Bake for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Allow them to cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. These are great as breakfast sandwiches or topped with my veggie cream cheese.
    Baked jalapeno bagels on a baking sheet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How spicy are these bagels?

    The spice level depends on the jalapeños. Removing the seeds makes them milder, while keeping them in adds extra heat. You can also adjust the amount to your preference. If your not a fan of spicy omit the jalapeños of give my sweet high protein blueberry bagel a try!

    How should I store these bagels?

    Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

    Why is my dough so sticky?

    Cottage cheese can add extra moisture. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it’s easier to work with.

    Jalapeno bagels on a white plate.

    More Spicy Recipes to Try

    Recipe

    High Protein Cheddar Jalapeno Bagels

    These High Protein Cheddar Jalapeño Bagels are the perfect balance of heat, flavor, and satisfying texture. Made with cottage cheese for a protein boost, these bagels are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Topped with melty cheddar and fresh jalapeño slices, they bake up golden brown and delicious—ideal for a quick breakfast, snack, or sandwich.
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Rest Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Serves 4 bagels
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    Save this Recipe

    Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • Add flour and greek yogurt to a large bowl. Mix to combine (I typically use my hands) to form a shaggy dough.
      • Continue to knead with your hands until it forms into a ball.
        Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for another 2-3 minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 minutes.
      • Divide the dough into 4 pieces then roll each piece into a ball. Let the balls rest for 10 minutes. Poke a hole in the center of each ball using your fingers then stretch the dough to create a bagel shape.
        Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
      • Transfer the bagels to the prepared baking sheet and brush them with egg wash.
        Sprinkle cheese on top then sliced jalapenos.
      • Bake for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
        Allow them to cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet before slicing and serving.

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 21gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 979mgPotassium: 405mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 304IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 241mgIron: 3mg

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