In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly using a spoon or whisk so the baking powder is evenly distributed—this helps the bagels rise properly and prevents uneven texture.

Add the Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or your hands, begin mixing until a soft dough starts to form. At first, it may look slightly crumbly, but keep mixing and gently pressing it together until it becomes smooth and slightly sticky. If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour; if too dry, add a small spoon of yogurt.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños to the dough. Gently fold them in, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout without overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the bagels dense instead of soft.

Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead it gently for about 1–2 minutes just until it comes together into a smooth ball. Keep it soft—don’t over-knead, or the bagels may turn tough.

Divide the dough into equal portions (usually 4–6, depending on your preferred size). Try to keep them even so they bake uniformly.

Take one portion and roll it into a smooth ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch and shape it into a bagel ring, making the hole slightly larger than you think—it will shrink a bit while baking. Repeat with the remaining portions.

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place each shaped bagel onto the tray, leaving a little space between them so they can expand as they bake.

If desired, lightly brush the tops with olive oil for a golden, slightly crisp finish. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese or jalapeño slices on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown on top and cooked through. Check toward the end to avoid overbaking.

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for at least 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps them set properly inside and improves the texture, making them soft, chewy, and perfectly sliceable.