# What You'll Need:
→ Bagel Dough
01 - 3 1/2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
04 - 1 packet instant dry yeast (7 grams)
05 - 1 1/4 cups warm water
→ Boiling Solution
06 - 2 quarts water
07 - 2 tablespoons honey or barley malt syrup
08 - 1 tablespoon baking soda
→ Mac and Cheese Filling
09 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
10 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
11 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
→ Topping
17 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
18 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate warm water, stirring until the dough forms. Knead for 7 to 8 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm environment until doubled in size, approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package instructions; drain and set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to stir until sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add mustard powder and black pepper. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until fully melted, then fold in cooked macaroni and chopped jalapeños. Allow filling to cool to room temperature.
03 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down risen dough and divide into eight equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disc, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons cooled mac and cheese filling into the center, then seal dough around filling. Poke a hole through the center of each, gently stretch into bagel shapes.
04 - Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add honey or barley malt syrup and baking soda, stir to dissolve. Boil bagels two at a time for 1 minute per side, then transfer bagels to the lined baking sheet with a slotted spoon.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top of each bagel and garnish with sliced fresh jalapeño.
06 - Place bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden and cheese is bubbling. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
