why make this recipe
Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels are a delicious twist on the classic bagel. They combine the tangy flavor of sourdough with the spicy kick of jalapenos and the richness of cheddar cheese. Making these bagels at home allows you to enjoy fresh, chewy bagels with the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, using freshly milled flour adds a nutritious touch!

how to make Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup warm water
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 tsp honey
- 289 grams hard white wheat
- 2 Tbsp fresh jalapenos (or pickled, just drain)
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped and fried; transfer and cool with the grease)
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 3 quarts water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 1 small jalapeno pepper (sliced into pieces)
- 1/3 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sourdough starter, and honey. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the hard white wheat to the wet ingredients. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Fold in the fresh jalapenos, bacon, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and sea salt. Ensure everything is well mixed.
- Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for about 4 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the brown sugar and baking soda to the boiling water.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bagel by poking a hole in the center and stretching it out.
- Place the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for about 1 minute on each side.
- Remove the bagels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the bagels with pieces of jalapeno and the remaining 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before serving.
how to serve Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
These bagels are perfect on their own or with a spread of cream cheese. You can also serve them alongside soup or salad for a hearty meal. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
how to store Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and warm them in the oven.
tips to make Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
- Use fresh jalapenos for a spicier flavor, or pickled ones for a milder taste.
- Make sure your sourdough starter is active for the best rise.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.
variation
You can try adding different herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor. Garlic powder or onion flakes could be great additions!
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of freshly milled flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the bagels will still be delicious.
2. How can I make the bagels spicier?
Add more jalapenos to the dough or use a spicier variety like Serrano peppers.
3. Can I make these bagels without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or replace it with a meat alternative.

Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bagels
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- ⅔ cup warm water
- 1 cup active sourdough starter Ensure the starter is active for the best rise.
- 1 tsp honey
- 289 grams hard white wheat Freshly milled flour is recommended.
- 2 Tbsp fresh jalapenos Or pickled, just drain.
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon Chopped and fried; transfer and cool with the grease.
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese Shredded.
- ¾ tsp sea salt
Boiling Ingredients
- 3 quarts water
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 1 small jalapeno pepper Sliced into pieces.
- ⅓ cup cheddar cheese Shredded, for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sourdough starter, and honey. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the hard white wheat to the wet ingredients. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
- Fold in the fresh jalapenos, bacon, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, and sea salt. Ensure everything is well mixed.
- Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for about 4 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Cooking
- Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the brown sugar and baking soda to the boiling water.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bagel by poking a hole in the center and stretching it out.
- Place the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for about 1 minute on each side.
- Remove the bagels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the bagels with pieces of jalapeno and the remaining 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before serving.







