Border Bagel Recipe

Prep bagel

Slice the bagel in half horizontally. Spread the butter evenly on the cut sides of both halves.

Toast bagel

Place bagel halves butter-side up on a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven. Toast until golden and slightly crisp, about 2–3 minutes in a skillet or 3–5 minutes in a toaster oven. Remove and set aside.

Prepare jalapeño

Thinly slice half of a jalapeño (about 1/2 pepper). If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing. Reserve slices for assembly.

Cook the egg

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low. Add 1/2 tsp olive oil and swirl to coat. Crack the egg into the pan and cook until the white is set and yolk reaches desired doneness: about 2–3 minutes for slightly runny yolk, or cover the pan for 30–45 seconds for a firmer yolk. Season the egg with 1/8 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt while cooking. If you prefer, cook the egg over-easy by flipping gently and cooking an additional 15–30 seconds.

Melt cheese

When the egg is almost done, sprinkle 1 oz shredded cheddar over the egg in the pan. Cover the skillet for 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese.

Assemble sandwich

Place the cheese-topped egg on the bottom half of the toasted bagel. Spoon 2 tbsp salsa over or beside the egg (as desired). Add the reserved jalapeño slices on top of the salsa or egg for heat. Place the top bagel half on the sandwich.

Prepare avocado

While the egg cooks or after, mash the half avocado in a small bowl with 1/2 tsp lime or lemon juice and 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste). Alternatively, slice the avocado thinly and season lightly with salt and a little lemon/lime juice.

Add avocado

Spread the mashed avocado on the inside of the top bagel half before placing it on the sandwich, or tuck the sliced avocado on top of the egg under the bagel top if you prefer.

Final seasoning

Taste and add additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm.