BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese
A BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese elevates the classic with smoky heat, creamy texture, and bold flavor in every bite.
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This BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese is a bold, flavor-packed twist on a classic sandwich, layering crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce with a smoky, slightly spicy hatch chili–infused cream cheese spread. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements makes this an elevated breakfast or lunch option that feels indulgent but approachable. Hatch chilies bring a subtle heat and sweetness that transforms a traditional BLT into something more memorable and seasonal. If you love upgraded comfort food, you’ll also want to try my bacon, egg & cheese biscuit with sriracha honey or this hatch chili & cheddar bacon smash burger next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor upgrade – The hatch chili cream cheese adds smoky heat and richness to a classic BLT.
- Perfect texture – Crispy bacon, toasted bagels, and fresh toppings create the ideal balance of crunch and creaminess.
- Versatile – Works for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and can easily be customized with different toppings.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Hatch peppers – Hatch peppers/ chilies are similar to the Anaheim pepper and are harvested in the Hatch Valley in New Mexico. They are a great mix of slight heat and sweet flavors making them very versatile. These coveted peppers can be more on the mild side, hitting at about 1,000 on the Scoville scale (like an Anaheim or poblano) while some can be a little spicier and closer to a Jalapeño at (2,000 – 4,000) SHU.
- Bacon – I prefer to bake my strips of bacon rather than cook them in a pan because they bake in much more even strips that are easy to arrange on sandwiches. Cooking the bacon this way also makes for easier cleanup – just wait for the fat to harden on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and fold it up and toss it.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Hatch chilies: Anaheim or poblano peppers can be used for a similar mild heat and smoky flavor.
- Cream cheese: Whipped cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative can be used for easier spreading or dietary needs.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Bagels: Brioche buns, sandwich bread, or English muffins can be used instead of bagels.
- Lettuce: Arugula or spinach can replace green leaf lettuce for a peppery or more delicate bite.
Pro Tip
Let the roasted hatch chilies cool and fully dry before mixing into the cream cheese to prevent excess moisture and ensure a smooth, spreadable texture.
How to Make BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese (Step-by-Step)
- Char the chilies. Heat broiler on high and position a rack about 6 inches below the broiler. Arrange hatch chilies on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally until charred and blistered all over, for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the charred chilies to a large plastic or paper bag and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to steam the chilies.
- Peel the skin from the chilies. Use your hands to peel the charred skin away from the chilies and remove the seeds with a sharp knife and discard. Finely chop the chilies and pat dry to remove some of the moisture.
- Mix the cream cheese. Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat the cream cheese on medium speed for a minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix in the peppers. Add 1/3 cup of the diced chilies, the chives and pepper and continue to beat until completely incorporated. Add to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to use.
- Cook the bacon. Heat oven to 400ºF. Arrange strips of bacon in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Marinate the tomatoes. Arrange the sliced tomato on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Assemble and serve. Toast the bagels in a toaster or under a broiler on high until golden brown. Spread the Hatch chili cream cheese on both halves and top bottom half with a slice of tomato, pieces of bacon and leaves of lettuce then close the sandwich. Cut in half and serve immediately.
How to Serve a BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese
- As a brunch centerpiece: Serve with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Open-faced style: Serve on one half of the bagel for a lighter, knife-and-fork presentation.
- With sides: Pair with kettle chips, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- For entertaining: Slice into halves or quarters for an easy, shareable appetizer.
How to Store a BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese spread: Store hatch chili cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bacon: Store cooked bacon separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat until crisp.
- Bagels: Keep bagels at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Assembly: Store components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
- Reheating: Reheat bacon in the oven or skillet for best crispness; avoid microwaving when possible.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hatch chili cream cheese and cook the bacon ahead, but assemble the bagels just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
What do hatch chilies taste like in BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese?
Hatch chilies have a mild to medium heat with a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the richness of the cream cheese.
Can I make BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese less spicy?
Yes, remove all seeds from the chilies or substitute with milder peppers like Anaheim for a more subtle heat.
What’s the best way to keep BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese from getting soggy?
Toast the bagel well and assemble just before eating, layering lettuce between the tomato and bagel to create a moisture barrier.
Can I use store-bought flavored cream cheese for BLT bagel with hatch chili cream cheese?
Yes, but making your own allows you to control the level of heat and freshness for a more customized flavor.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this elevated take on a classic sandwich, try some of my favorite sandwich recipes below:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
BLT Bagel with Hatch Chili Cream Cheese
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Ingredients:
For the hatch chili cream cheese:
- 3 medium Hatch peppers
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For assembly:
- ¾ pound thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon
- 1 large heirloom tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, as needed
- 4 bagels of choice, sliced in half lengthwise (I use garlic or onion bagels)
- 8 pieces green leaf lettuce
Instructions:
For the hatch chili cream cheese:
- Heat broiler on high and position a rack about 6 inches below the broiler. Arrange hatch chilies on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally until charred and blistered all over, for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the charred chilies to a large plastic or paper bag and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to steam the chilies.
- Use your hands to peel the charred skin away from the chilies and remove the seeds with a sharp knife and discard. Finely chop the chilies and pat dry to remove some of the moisture.
- Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat the cream cheese on medium speed for a minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add 1/3 cup of the diced chilies, the chives and pepper and continue to beat until completely incorporated. Add to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to use.
For assembly:
- Heat oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Arrange strips of bacon in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Arrange the sliced tomato on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Toast the bagels in a toaster or under a broiler on high until golden brown. Spread the Hatch chili cream cheese on both halves and top bottom half with a slice of tomato, pieces of bacon and leaves of lettuce then close the sandwich. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Notes:
Let the roasted hatch chilies cool and fully dry before mixing into the cream cheese to prevent excess moisture and ensure a smooth, spreadable texture.
Nutrition:
Calories: 752kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1662mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 532IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 2mg
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