In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup of warm water. Let rest for 5 minutes. Little bubbles should form on the surface after 5 minutes, indicating the yeast is "alive".
In large bowl or the bowl from a stand mixer, mix together salt and flour - making a "well" in the center of flour. Add yeast mixture and additional water to the flour. Gently fold in diced jalapeños and 3/4 of the grated cheddar cheese.
Knead (either by hand or by using the dough hook on your stand mixer) until dough becomes soft and elastic (this could take approx. 5 + minutes).
Cover the dough bowl with a dishtowel, set bowl in a warm place and let dough rise, until doubled in size (about 1-1½ hours). Turn risen dough out onto lightly floured surface (dust dough with flour so it is easier to work with).
Divide dough into 8 balls (shape and pull the edges of dough to the underside of the ball for a smoother ball). With floured hands, take both of your thumbs and press into the center of each ball, forming a hole. Stretch hole to form a bagel shape (can pick up the bagel dough and enlarge the hole from the bottom). Once bagels have been formed, set aside; let dough rest for 30 minutes.
While bagel dough is resting, preheat your oven to 425 degrees AND bring a large stock pot 3/4 full of water to a rolling boil.
Place bagels 2-3 at a time in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking time (make sure they have floated to the top of the pan). Remove the bagels from water (I use 2 chopsticks), and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining bagels.
Bake in a 425 degree oven for 10 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top of bagels, then continue baking for another 10 minutes or until you see they are golden brown on top (mine usually take a bit longer...just keep an eye on them). When done, remove from oven... and ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts
Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
Amount Per Serving (1 bagel)
Calories 269Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 525mg23%
Potassium 85mg2%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 200IU4%
Vitamin C 6.2mg8%
Calcium 110mg11%
Iron 2.6mg14%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.