Jalapeño Popper Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Jalapeño Popper Pizza combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and cheddar with spicy jalapeños and crispy bacon for a flavorful twist on traditional pizza. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat balanced with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water, heated to 115°F
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk mozzarella
• 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2-3 jalapeños, sliced
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the water to 115°F, then combine it with the active dry yeast and sugar. Let the mixture proof for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the yeast mixture followed by the olive oil. Continue mixing until a smooth dough ball forms. If needed, knead by hand to bring it together. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: While the dough is rising, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Shape the risen dough into your preferred size and shape on the baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using, followed by mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
6. Step 6: Add a sprinkle of ground black pepper, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon over the cheeses. Top with sliced jalapeños as desired.
7. Step 7: Bake the pizza for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a drizzle of hot sauce after baking.
• Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Use a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Roll the dough into mini pizzas for a fun appetizer size.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

How spicy is this pizza?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeño seeds you leave in and how many slices you use. Removing seeds will reduce spiciness, making it milder for sensitive palates.

Jalapeño Popper Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

This Jalapeño Popper Pizza combines the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños with the creamy richness of cream cheese and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Topped with crispy bacon and baked to golden perfection, this pizza offers a delightful twist on classic jalapeño poppers, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 10-inch pizza (3–6 servings) 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dough:

• 1/2 cup water, heated to 115°F
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings:

• 3–4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2–3 jalapeños, sliced
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Proof the yeast: Heat the water to 115°F, then combine it with the active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly add the yeast mixture followed by the olive oil. Mix until a smooth dough ball forms. If needed, knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the bacon: While the dough is rising, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
4. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pizza.
5. Shape and top the pizza: Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Shape the risen dough into your desired size and form on the baking sheet. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese if using, followed by the mozzarella and mild cheddar cheeses. Add ground black pepper and the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese. Finally, arrange the sliced jalapeños on top.
6. Bake the pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheeses are melted and bubbly, reaching your preferred crispness.
7. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• This recipe yields one 10-inch pizza and serves approximately 3-6 people depending on serving size.
• For extra flavor, you may add more Parmesan cheese or use smoked cheddar.
• Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference; removing seeds will reduce spiciness.
• Use fresh yeast if preferred; adjust proofing time accordingly.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Pizza, Cream Cheese Pizza, Spicy Pizza, Bacon Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Jalapeño Pizza