Jalapeño Popper Pizza

Love the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers? This Jalapeño Popper Pizza is everything you love—on a pizza! It features a rich cream cheese base, crispy beef crumbles, sliced jalapeños, melty mozzarella, and a touch of smoky paprika for extra flavor. It’s the perfect mash-up for spice lovers and pizza fans alike.

Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a crave-worthy dinner, this pizza will impress everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor – Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory in every bite.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and fast prep.
Great for Sharing – A hit at parties, gatherings, or weekend dinners.
Customizable Heat – Make it mild or fiery with jalapeños.
Better Than Takeout – Crisp crust and fresh toppings made at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pizza Dough:

• 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tbsp cornmeal (optional, for baking sheet)

For the Cream Cheese Base:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked ground beef
• 3–4 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
• ¼ cup crumbled tortilla chips or bacon-style beef bits (adds crunch)
• Extra paprika or red chili flakes for a spicy finish

Tools You’ll Need

• Rolling pin or your hands (to stretch the dough)
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornmeal or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or oval.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet or hot stone.
Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Add cooked ground beef evenly across the pizza.
Top with sliced jalapeños and sprinkle on beef bits or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Add a light dusting of paprika or chili flakes if you want more kick.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let it cool for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness.
Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Popper Pizza
Soften the Cream Cheese – It spreads easier and creates a smooth base.
Control the Spice – Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat, or use pickled jalapeños for a milder flavor.
Use Pre-Cooked Meat – Cook and drain ground beef before adding to the pizza to avoid sogginess.
Bake on High Heat – A hotter oven ensures a crisp crust and evenly melted cheese.
Make It Extra – Add a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce for even more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad – A crisp romaine or coleslaw balances the rich pizza.
• Party Platter – Cut into squares and serve as a finger food appetizer.
• Game Day Feast – Pair with wings, nachos, or potato skins.
• Creamy Dip Companion – Serve with extra cream cheese dip on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 375°F for 6–8 minutes for a crispy crust.
Skillet: Warm on medium heat, covered, until hot.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30–45 seconds, though crust may soften.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different base instead of cream cheese?
Yes! Try a mix of ricotta and sour cream or a light Alfredo sauce for a different twist.

2. What if I don’t eat beef?
Substitute with shredded chicken, plant-based crumbles, or just load it up with veggies.

3. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough and toppings separately and assemble just before baking.

4. Is this pizza spicy?
It can be! Control the heat by adjusting the jalapeño amount and whether you include the seeds.

5. Can I freeze this pizza?
Freeze the assembled, unbaked pizza for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Popper Pizza is everything you crave—bold, creamy, spicy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a fun twist on pizza night, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Easy to customize and incredibly flavorful, it’s a must-try for pizza lovers who like a little heat!

Make it once, and it might just become your new Friday night tradition. Share your thoughts in the comments and post your pizza pics online—we’d love to see them!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 8 slices):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 11g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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