Name: Jalapeño Cheese Protein Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 45 g vital wheat gluten; 25 g spelt flour; 15 g plain flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 75 ml water; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp grated cheese; 1 tbsp jalapeños (from a jar)

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Ready for a high-protein twist on a classic favourite? These Jalapeño Cheese Protein Bagels offer a perfect balance of flavours—cheesy, spicy, and savory with a satisfyingly chewy texture.

Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a unique breakfast idea, these bagels pack in the protein while delivering on taste. Plus, they’re simple to make from scratch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Jalapeño Cheese Protein Bagels recipe:

45g vital wheat gluten
25g spelt flour
15g plain flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
75ml water
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp grated cheese
1 tbsp jalapeños (from a jar)

Why Jalapeños and Cheese Are the Perfect Bagel Combo

The heat from the jalapeños contrasts beautifully with the melty cheese, creating an exciting balance of flavours. If you’re a fan of spicy, the jalapeños bring just the right kick to each bite.

Meanwhile, the cheese adds richness and moisture, complementing the chewiness of the bagel.

This combo is not just about taste—jalapeños are low in calories and packed with vitamins, while cheese gives you a boost of calcium and protein.

The Role of Vital Wheat Gluten

Vital wheat gluten is what gives these bagels their high-protein content and a delightfully chewy texture.

It’s a crucial ingredient when you want to make protein-rich bread or bagels without sacrificing the traditional doughy consistency.

When combined with flours like spelt and plain, it results in a sturdy, stretchy dough that bakes up beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat

If you’re meal-prepping or baking a batch for later, store your bagels in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge.

To reheat, simply toast them for a crispy finish or microwave for 20-30 seconds to soften them up.

Can I Freeze These Bagels?

Yes, these bagels freeze very well. Wrap each bagel individually in cling film or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a quick defrost, then toast for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crisp.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 180°C and grab a small bowl.

For a fluffy texture, sift your flours before mixing. This will also help distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the mixture.

Add in the vital wheat gluten, spelt flour, plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well-combined, ensuring no clumps are left.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, gradually pour in water and apple cider vinegar to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Be careful not to over-mix—the dough should just come together.

If the dough feels too dry, add an extra splash of water. However, make sure the consistency remains sticky for the best bagel texture.

Step 3: Shape the Bagel

Wet your hands slightly before shaping the dough to prevent it from sticking and ensure smooth bagel formation.

Once the dough is mixed, lightly knead it for 6 seconds—just enough to combine it but without overworking the dough.

Then, roll it into a ball and press your finger through the centre to create the classic bagel shape.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Jalapeños

Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Sprinkle generously with grated cheese and jalapeños, making sure they’re spread evenly on top for that delicious cheesy, spicy flavour.

For an extra kick, add a little jalapeño juice from the jar on top of the bagel before sprinkling the toppings.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your bagel in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Once done, let the bagel cool on the tray for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to settle and the dough to finish setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! If you don’t have spelt flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat or more plain flour. However, spelt flour adds a lovely nutty flavour and pairs well with the protein-rich vital wheat gluten.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem! You can leave out the jalapeños or substitute them with another topping like chopped herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for a different twist.

Can I make these bagels without cheese?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese for a dairy-free version. You can try sprinkling some nutritional yeast on top to maintain a cheesy flavour without the dairy.

And that’s it for this Jalapeño Cheese Protein Bagels recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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