Jalapeño Cheddar Protein Bagels (Printable)

Savory bagels packed with sharp cheddar, jalapeños, and protein, perfect as a breakfast sandwich base.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 cup unflavored whey protein isolate
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 2 teaspoons instant yeast
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup warm water
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

09 - 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
10 - 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
11 - 1 large egg for egg wash
12 - 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, protein powder, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
02 - Add warm water and olive oil to dry mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 7 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Gently knead in 1/2 cup cheddar and diced jalapeños until evenly distributed throughout dough.
05 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
06 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
07 - Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch to create a 1.5-inch opening for classic bagel shape.
08 - Place shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
09 - Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each bagel generously with egg wash.
10 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar and jalapeño slices on top of each bagel.
11 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
12 - Transfer bagels to a wire rack and cool before slicing for sandwiches.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High protein content (19g per bagel) keeps you full and energized throughout the morning
  • Perfect balance of spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar creates bold, savory flavor
  • Chewy, authentic bagel texture despite the added protein powder
  • Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and grab-and-go breakfasts
  • Versatile base for breakfast sandwiches, schmears, or enjoyed on their own
02 -
  • Use instant yeast rather than active dry yeast for more reliable results and no need for proofing
  • Weigh your flour and protein powder for the most consistent texture and structure
  • Don't skip the egg wash—it creates the signature golden, glossy bagel crust
  • Let bagels cool completely before slicing to prevent squishing and maintain the chewy texture
  • For traditional bagel flavor, consider boiling the shaped bagels for 30 seconds per side in water with a tablespoon of honey before baking
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