This Jalapeño Popper Pizza takes the best parts of the classic appetizer—creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños—and transforms them into an irresistible pizza. It’s rich, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, making it the perfect recipe for anyone who loves heat with a little indulgence.
Whether you’re making pizza for game day, a family pizza night, or just craving something out of the ordinary, this recipe will become your new favorite. The creamy base balances the spice, while gooey mozzarella and cheddar pull it all together for a show-stopping pie.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (for bacon)
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough 12–14 inches
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 3 –4 fresh jalapeños sliced thin (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños optional, for extra tang
- 2 tbsp green onions sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with your pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to 12–14 inches.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured pizza peel or parchment paper.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base as your pizza “sauce.”
- Sprinkle on half the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Layer on sliced jalapeños and chopped bacon.
- Add the remaining cheese over the top.
- Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with green onions, and let cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your Jalapeño Popper Pizza!
Notes
- For a spicier pizza, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- Try swapping bacon for chorizo for a smoky twist.
- If you don’t have fresh jalapeños, roasted poblano peppers also work beautifully.
FAQ – Jalapeño Popper Pizza
Q: Can I make Jalapeño Popper Pizza ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can par-bake the crust and prepare the cream cheese base in advance. Just assemble and bake when ready.
Q: How do I make this pizza less spicy?
A: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños and use fewer slices. You can also swap in mild peppers.
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought dough or crusts work fine, but a homemade dough will elevate the flavor.
Q: What pairs well with Jalapeño Popper Pizza?
A: Serve it with a crisp salad, ranch dipping sauce, or an ice-cold beer for balance.
Q: Can this pizza be grilled instead of baked?
A: Yes! Preheat your grill with a pizza stone and cook for about 7–9 minutes with the lid closed.
