Name: Jalapeño Popper Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488457H6M34S
Total time: PT-488457H6M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought); 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced and seeds removed (leave seeds if you want it extra spicy); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese (about 4 slices); 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you crave a blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy all-in-one bite, then this Jalapeño Popper Pizza is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the classic jalapeño popper flavors transformed into a crispy, golden pizza crust layered with luscious cream cheese, melty mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese, finishing with the perfect kick from fresh jalapeños. It’s a party on your plate that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, offering a fantastic twist for pizza lovers ready for something delightfully unique and full of bold flavor.

Jalapeño Popper Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Jalapeño Popper Pizza is a joy because each ingredient plays a vital role in building that signature creamy, cheesy, and spicy profile. From the soft cream cheese that adds richness, to the fresh jalapeños for a lively heat, every component is simple but essential to achieving the perfect balance.

Pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, this forms the sturdy foundation and crispy base your toppings will shine on.
Fresh jalapeños: Sliced and seeds removed for milder heat, but keep the seeds if you want to turn up the spice.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light brush to ensure a golden, non-stick crust with subtle flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened and full of smooth richness, it’s the creamy core of this pizza.
Garlic powder: Adds a deep, aromatic punch that complements the cheeses perfectly.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and enhances the savory flavor profile.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and draws out the best in each ingredient.
Black pepper: For a mild kick and a fresh, peppery aroma.
Monterey Jack cheese: Shredded to melt smoothly, it brings mild, buttery flavor and gooey texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Either shredded or sliced, it adds that classic stretchy, melty appeal.
Chives (optional): Finely chopped for a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens up every bite.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees F to make sure it’s hot enough for a crisp crust. Lightly oil your pizza pan or a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Then gently stretch or press your pizza dough into a roughly 10-inch circle. This tactile step really connects you to the pizza-making process and creates that perfectly even base for your toppings. Placing it on parchment paper makes clean-up a breeze and ensures an even bake.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the heart of the Jalapeño Popper Pizza, blending creamy richness with aromatic spices that will elevate every bite. Mix until smooth and well combined, making sure no lumps remain so it spreads beautifully on the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Toppings

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the formed dough, leaving a narrow border of about three-quarters to one inch so the crust can crisp up nicely. Layer the mozzarella slices next for that irresistible melt, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Finally, scatter the sliced jalapeños evenly for pops of fresh, vibrant heat. This layering method ensures you get a perfect balance of creaminess, cheese stretch, and peppery punch in every slice.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pop your pizza into the hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping an eye for that beautiful golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. The aroma during baking is already a teaser, with garlic and spicy jalapeño notes making your kitchen smell incredible. Once baked, let the pizza cool for a few minutes — this makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Pizza

Garnishes

Topping your pizza with finely chopped fresh chives adds a lovely pop of color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness. You can also sprinkle some extra black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of excitement. Fresh herbs are a simple way to brighten the presentation and freshen up each bite.

Side Dishes

This pizza goes wonderfully with light, crisp sides such as a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad. The acidity and crunch balance the creamy, spicy intensity of the pizza perfectly, making your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying without being too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Jalapeño Popper Pizza on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or a tangy chipotle mayo for extra indulgence. You can also cut the pizza into small squares or party-sized slices for fun gatherings, turning it into tasty finger food that everyone will want to reach for again and again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Jalapeño Popper Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, and the pizza remains delicious whether eaten cold or reheated. Just make sure to cover it well to keep the crust from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this pizza later, slice it up and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or stored in freezer-safe containers. This pizza freezes well for up to one month, thanks to the sturdy crust and creamy, stable cheese toppings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy. Reheated Jalapeño Popper Pizza tastes almost like fresh and still delivers that irresistible spicy creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?

While fresh jalapeños offer the best flavor and texture, you can use canned if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to drain them well and pat dry so the pizza doesn’t get soggy.

Is it possible to make this pizza vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and cheeses with your favorite vegan alternatives. You may want to add a bit of nutritional yeast or vegan garlic powder to boost the flavor.

How spicy is the Jalapeño Popper Pizza?

The heat level depends on whether you include the jalapeño seeds — removing seeds gives a milder, more approachable spice, while keeping them adds a fiery kick. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.

Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the cream cheese spread a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. This can even help the flavors meld and save time when assembling the pizza.

What other toppings would complement this pizza?

Some great add-ons include crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for smokiness. Just be mindful not to overpower the classic jalapeño popper flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you love bold flavors that combine creamy, spicy, and cheesy in one satisfying slice, you absolutely need to try making this Jalapeño Popper Pizza. It’s an exciting twist on two all-time favorites that will impress friends and family alike. Give it a go, and share the joy of this deliciously irresistible creation at your next meal or gathering!

Jalapeño Popper Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 1 10-inch pizza, serves 3-4 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Jalapeño Popper Pizza combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and Monterey Jack with the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a fun twist on classic pizza, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your taste buds with its gooey, cheesy goodness and a hint of heat.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly coat a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough by hand to form a roughly 10-inch diameter circle. Place the dough onto a pan lined with parchment paper.
Make the Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Assemble the Pizza: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a 3/4 to 1 inch border around the edges. Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices evenly on top, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over that. Finally, distribute the sliced jalapeños evenly across the surface.
Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle finely chopped chives on top for a fresh flavor and vibrant color. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra spicy heat, leave the jalapeño seeds intact.
Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and crunch.
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses like fontina or provolone.
To add protein, consider topping with cooked bacon or chicken.
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated within 1-2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Pizza
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American