I love making this jalapeño popper pizza because it captures everything I enjoy about classic jalapeño poppers but in an easy, comforting pizza form. The creamy base, melted cheese, and fresh jalapeño slices create a perfect balance of flavor and heat that always satisfies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple this recipe is to prepare, yet it tastes like something I would order at a restaurant. The cream cheese base replaces traditional pizza sauce, giving every bite a rich and tangy flavor. The combination of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and jalapeños adds the right amount of spice and cheesiness. It’s great for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or a shareable weekend treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 ball of pizza dough (about 10–12 ounces)
2 fresh jalapeños, sliced
1 tablespoon 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 sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives, parsley, green onions, or bell peppers
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil or line with parchment paper.
Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 10-inch circle and place it on the prepared pan.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
Add the mozzarella slices first, then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Evenly arrange the jalapeño slices across the top.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven, add any optional garnishes, let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Servings And Timing
Makes about 8 slices (4–6 servings).
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Bake time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
Add chopped bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.
Use pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
Add green onions or parsley after baking for freshness.
Swap the dough for a cauliflower crust if I want a lighter version.
Use cheddar cheese for a richer, deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer warming the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes—this keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty. I avoid the microwave because it tends to soften the crust too much.
FAQs
How spicy is this pizza?
The spice level depends on the jalapeños. I remove the seeds for less heat or leave some in when I want extra spice.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.
Can I make this on a pre-baked pizza crust?
Yes, I simply reduce the baking time to avoid overbrowning since the crust is already cooked.
Can I freeze this pizza?
I can freeze baked slices by wrapping them tightly and storing them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to crisp them back up.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. I prepare the dough and cheese mixture in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this jalapeño popper pizza because it’s flavorful, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheese base and fresh jalapeños give it a unique twist that stands out from traditional pizzas. It’s perfect when I want something easy yet exciting, and it never disappoints.
A creamy, cheesy pizza inspired by jalapeño poppers — with a rich cream cheese base, melted cheeses, and spicy jalapeños for a fun, satisfying twist on classic pizza.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings (about 8 slices)
Ingredients
1 ball of pizza dough (about 10–12 ounces)
2 fresh jalapeños, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped chives, parsley, green onions, or bell peppers
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll or stretch pizza dough into a roughly 10‑inch circle and place on the prepared pan.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
Layer the mozzarella cheese first, then sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Arrange the sliced jalapeños evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Remove from oven, add any optional fresh garnishes (chives, parsley, etc.), let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in; remove seeds for milder spice.
You can swap Monterey Jack with pepper jack or cheddar for different cheese flavor profiles.
Add chopped bell peppers for sweetness and color contrast.
Use a cauliflower crust or thin‑crust dough if you prefer a lighter base.
Reheat leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven to keep crust crisp and cheese melty — avoid microwaving to prevent soggy crust.
