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This spicy jalapeno pizza is the best way to enjoy this mighty pepper on a cheesy pie! The fresh pepper brings a jolt of heat, paired with zucchini, corn, and salsa verde.

Jalapeno pizza
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Why we love this recipe

Every time we make a new pizza recipe, it’s our new favorite. Apologies if we sound like a broken record around here, but you absolutely must try this jalapeño pizza! It’s destined to be a hit if you love the bright zingy flavor of this mighty pepper.

Instead of a tomato sauce or even a white sauce, this pizza has a base of tangy salsa verde! Pair the heat of the jalapeno with savory zucchini, bright sweet corn, and gooey cheese, and it’s a uniquely delicious pie that you’ll fall head over heels for.

How to make jalapeno pizza

You could call this jalapeno pizza a green pizza, because it’s topped with bright green salsa verde! Forget the typical tomato-based pizza sauce here, or even a white sauce. The bright flavor of the salsa is the perfect pairing for the spicy jalapeno. Here are the basic steps to make it (or go right to the recipe):

  • Make the pizza dough. Try our classic pizza dough recipe, or you can also do a “cheater” pizza by using this as a topping for Naan Pizza or Flatbread Pizza.
  • Saute the zucchini. It takes just 5 minutes to cook the zucchini because of the small quantity.
  • Slice the jalapeno pepper. Make sure to protect your hands from the spicy juices: wash your hands thoroughly after cutting.
  • Slice the corn off of the cob. Here’s how to cut corn off the cob without spraying it all over your kitchen. Substitute canned corn or thawed frozen corn if desired.
  • Top that pie and bake! Load everything on with mozzarella and feta cheese and bake for 5 minutes until the cheese is golden.
Jalapeno pizza

Pizza dough options

The trickiest part of a homemade pizza is the pizza dough: but it’s also what makes it the tastiest! We highly recommend making our master recipe. But, there’s not always time for pizza dough. Below are a few shortcuts too!

Use a pizza stone if you can

This jalapeno pizza tastes amazing when you bake it on a pizza stone. It’s especially helpful for our basic and thin crust options, above. Here’s why:

Jalapeño peppers

More topping ideas for jalapeno pizza

Of course, you can use lots of different vegetables on your jalapeno pizza! Here are a few ideas of other flavors that would pair well:

  • White sauce: Try the ricotta cheese sauce from this white pizza instead of salsa verde.
  • Hot sauce: Want to blow your face off? Drizzle with Cholula.
  • Bacon and cream cheese: Turn it into a jalapeno popper pizza by spreading the crust with cream cheese and topping with bacon.
  • Bell peppers: Add more peppers, like the sauteed bell peppers from this healthy pizza.
  • Mushrooms: Try the mushroom sausage from this pan pizza.
  • Refried beans: Put jalapeno on a taco pizza instead.

How hot is a jalapeno pepper?

The jalapeno pepper is a medium spicy pepper. We’re assuming if you’re making this jalapeno pizza, you can handle the heat! The heat rating is 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville heat units (SHU). Here’s where it stacks up against other types of peppers:

  • Green pepper: No spice
  • Anaheim pepper: Very mild
  • Poblano peppers: Mild
  • Jalapeno peppers: Medium hot
  • Serrano peppers: Hot
  • Cayenne: Very hot
  • Habanero: Extremely hot
  • Ghost pepper: Outrageously hot
Jalapeno pizza

More jalapeno recipes

Love jalapeno peppers? Us too. There’s something about the flavor that’s not just spicy: it’s fresh and bright, too! Here are some of our favorite jalapeno recipes to try:

  • Pickled Jalapeños Add big flavor to your meals with these easy homemade pickled jalapeños! With only 10 minutes hands on time, they add a tangy kick to tacos and chili.
  • Jalapeño Margarita Heat up your cocktail repertoire with this spicy margarita! Crisp and tart, it’s got just the right kick.
  • The BEST Salsa This fresh salsa features ripe and juicy tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, and lots of lime.
  • Simple Guacamole The best simple guacamole with the perfect flavor! You’ll hear a chorus of “Wow’s” every time you serve it.

Dietary notes

This jalapeno pizza recipe is vegetarian.

Frequently asked questions

How spicy is jalapeño pizza?

The level of spice can vary depending on the amount and type of jalapeños used. This pizza is medium spicy if you follow the recipe as written. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.

What kind of jalapeños should I use for pizza?

Fresh jalapeños are ideal for their bright flavor and vibrant color. Pickled jalapeños can also be used.

When should I add the jalapeños to the pizza?

It’s best to add the jalapeños before baking the pizza. This allows them to soften and meld with the other flavors while still retaining some of their crunch.

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Jalapeno pizza

Spicy Jalapeno Pizza


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
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Description

This spicy jalapeno pizza is the best way to enjoy this mighty pepper on a cheesy pie! The fresh pepper brings a jolt of heat, paired with zucchini, corn, and salsa verde.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ball Best Pizza Dough (or Thin Crust Dough)
  • Olive oil
  • ½ cup sliced zucchini (about 1/3 small zucchini)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 jalapeño pepper
  • 1/2 corn cob or ⅓ cup corn kernels
  • 1 handful sliced red onion
  • ½ cup salsa verde
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup feta cheese or queso fresco crumbles
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Make the pizza dough: Follow the Best Pizza Dough or Thin Crust Dough recipe to prepare the dough. (This takes about 15 minutes to make and 45 minutes to rest.)
  2. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500°F. OR preheat your pizza oven (here’s the pizza oven we use).
  3. Saute the zucchini: Drizzle a bit of olive oil into a small skillet. Add the sliced zucchini, kosher salt, and dried oregano and saute until tender, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
  4. Prepare the other toppings: Thinly slice the jalapeño pepper. Cut the corn off of the cob. Mince the red onion.
  5. Bake the pizza: When the oven is ready, dust a pizza peel with cornmeal or semolina flour. (If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet or the back of a rimmed baking sheet. But a pizza peel is well worth the investment!) Stretch the dough into a circle; see How to Stretch Pizza Dough for instructions. Then gently place the dough onto the pizza peel.
  6. Spread the salsa verde onto the dough in a thin layer with the back of a spoon. Top with the mozzarella cheese, zucchini, jalapeno, and red onion. Sprinkle with the feta cheese.
  7. Use the pizza peel to carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake the pizza until the cheese and crust are nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes in the oven (or 1 minute in a pizza oven). Slice into pieces and serve immediately.
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes and the joy of cooking! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

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1 Comment

  1. Nikki S says:

    I made this on the spur of the moment. I had to make 2 adjustments. I cut up the jalapeños into small pieces so it wasn’t as spicy to bite into. I also subbed tomato for zucchini because I didn’t have any zucchini. This was an awesome flavor combo! I will be saving this and making it again. Thank you!