Spicy Pepperoni Jalapeno Pizza


Master homemade pizza with this recipe featuring pepperoni, jalapeños, and gooey cheese.


Published: January 13, 2025 · Modified: January 13, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan


Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza

Few dishes capture the spirit of homemade comfort quite like pizza, and this spicy pepperoni jalapeño pizza recipe takes it to the next level. With its crispy crust, perfectly spiced pepperoni, and the kick of fresh jalapeños, this recipe promises to elevate your pizza night. Easy to prepare and loaded with bold flavors, it’s a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy night in. Using just 10 carefully selected ingredients, this pizza strikes the ideal balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Pizza dough ingredients

The Ingredients: What You’ll Need for a Perfect Pizza

Crafting the ultimate spicy pepperoni jalapeño pizza begins with a carefully curated selection of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need to bring this flavorful masterpiece to life:

  1. Strong White Bread Flour: The foundation of any great pizza is its crust. Opt for strong white bread flour to achieve the perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.
  2. Warm Water (40°C or 105°F): Ensures the yeast activates properly, leading to a light and airy crust.
  3. Active Dry Yeast: The key to a beautifully risen dough, lending it structure and softness.
  4. Soft Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the dough and feed the yeast for optimal activation.
  5. Italian Herbs (Optional): Add a subtle aroma to your dough for extra depth of flavor.
  6. Olive Oil: Enhances the dough’s elasticity and adds a hint of richness.
  7. Fine Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and accentuating the flavors.
  8. Pizza Sauce: A rich, tangy base to complement the toppings. Choose your favorite or make your own for an added personal touch.
  9. Mozzarella Cheese: Whether fresh slices or shredded, mozzarella provides the creamy, gooey topping every pizza lover craves.
  10. Pepperoni: Spicy, savory, and irresistibly delicious, pepperoni is a classic that elevates this recipe.
  11. Jalapeños: The stars of this dish, these fiery peppers add heat and a burst of freshness to every bite.

By assembling these ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a pizza that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Don’t forget to use quality tools like a pizza stone or peel for that professional touch!

Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza

Mastering the Dough: Tips for a Crispy Crust

The dough is the soul of your pizza, and getting it just right makes all the difference between a good pizza and an exceptional one. Here’s how to master the art of pizza dough for that perfect crispy crust:

  1. Activate the Yeast Like a Pro
    Begin by combining warm water (around 40°C or 105°F) with active dry yeast and a touch of sugar. The sugar feeds the yeast, helping it activate and become frothy. This step is crucial for a light, airy crust with just the right rise. If you want an aromatic dough, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian herbs at this stage.
  2. Kneading for Perfection
    Kneading is where the magic happens. Whether you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook or working by hand, ensure the dough reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Proper kneading develops gluten, which gives your dough structure and chewiness.
  3. Allow Time to Rise
    After kneading, let the dough rest and rise in a warm spot. Cover it with a damp towel to keep it moist. For an even lighter crust, opt for a second rise, which adds more air pockets to the dough, resulting in a tender interior and crisp exterior.
  4. The Pizza Stone Secret
    A pizza stone is your ticket to a perfectly crispy base. Preheat it in the oven to mimic the high temperatures of a traditional pizza oven. The stone evenly distributes heat and absorbs moisture, ensuring a crust that’s golden brown and delightfully crisp. If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy-duty baking sheet can work as an alternative.
  5. Shaping the Dough
    Roll or stretch the dough gently to your desired size, being careful not to press out too much of the air created during rising. This helps maintain the lightness of the crust.

By following these tips, you’ll elevate your pizza game, achieving a crust that’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. A well-crafted dough sets the stage for the delicious toppings to shine!

Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Spicy Pizza

Pairing the right sides and beverages with your spicy pepperoni jalapeño pizza can elevate the dining experience, enhancing the flavors and creating a balanced meal. Here are some ideas to complement the bold, fiery notes of your pizza:

Sides That Shine

  1. Fresh Caesar Salad
    The cool crunch of romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and salty Parmesan cheese make Caesar salad a classic accompaniment. Its refreshing, tangy flavors cut through the richness of the pizza, offering a satisfying contrast.
  2. Garlic Bread
    Golden, buttery, and infused with garlic, this side is a favorite for good reason. Serve it warm to soak up any extra pizza sauce or enjoy it as a palate cleanser between bites.
  3. Marinara Dipping Sauce
    A small bowl of warm marinara sauce is perfect for dipping crusts. Its bright tomato flavors complement the pizza’s toppings, while the added herbs and garlic mirror the dish’s flavor profile.
  4. Roasted Vegetables
    For a healthier option, try roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Their caramelized sweetness balances the heat of the jalapeños and pepperoni.
  5. Caprese Skewers
    Bite-sized skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and flavorful addition to your meal.

Beverage Pairings

  1. Crisp Lager
    A cold, refreshing lager pairs beautifully with spicy pizza. Its mild bitterness and carbonation help cleanse the palate and counteract the heat from the jalapeños.
  2. Sparkling Lemonade
    For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling lemonade is a fantastic choice. The bubbles and citrusy sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the pizza’s spiciness.
  3. IPA or Pale Ale
    If you enjoy hoppy beers, an IPA or pale ale with fruity undertones can enhance the spicy notes of the pizza while adding a touch of bitterness.
  4. Sweet Iced Tea
    A classic Southern pairing, sweet iced tea soothes the palate with its cooling sweetness, making it an ideal companion for bold, spicy flavors.
  5. Red Wine
    A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese offers enough acidity and fruitiness to complement the pizza without overpowering it.

Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or indulging solo, these pairing suggestions will ensure every bite and sip is a harmonious delight. Experiment with combinations to find your favorite match!

Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza

Spicy Pepperoni Jalapeno Pizza

Jennifer Ryan
Crafted with 10 carefully chosen ingredients, this jalapeno pepperoni pizza recipe combines ease and flavor. A homemade crispy base, luscious cheese, and perfectly spiced pepperoni make it a classic everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Bread, Main Course
Cuisine American, British
Servings 6
Calories 357 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

Activate the Yeast:

  • In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine: warm water, active dry yeast, soft brown sugar and optional Italian herbs.
    180 ml Warm water, 10 grams Soft brown sugar, 4 grams Active dry yeast, 0.5 tbsp Italian herbs
    active dry yeast in warm water with Italian herbs in mixer bowl
  • Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy and bubbles form.
    Activated dry yeast frothing and bubbling
  • Gently stir in the olive oil.
    10 ml Olive oil
    Pizza yeast starter with added olive oil

Mix the Dough:

  • Add the strong white bread flour and a pinch of salt.
    235 grams Strong white bread flour, 1 tsp Fine sea salt
    Flour and salt in a mixing bowl
  • Mix with a spatula or the stand mixer on low speed until a sticky dough begins to form.
    Pizza dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Optional Dough Rise: For a lighter crust, cover the bowl with a warm damp tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for up to 1 hour.

Form the Dough Ball:

  • Gradually add the additional strong white bread flour, a little at a time, until a smooth, slightly moist dough forms.
    100 grams Additional strong white bread flour
  • Knead: Using a stand mixer: Continue kneading with the dough hook until smooth. Or by hand: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead, incorporating additional flour as needed.
    Pizza dough ball

Divide and Store:

  • Remove the dough from the bowl. For thick crusts, divide it evenly into dough balls for 12-inch pizzas if you’ve multiplied the recipe.
    Multiple pizza dough balls covered and rising
  • Optionally for freezing. Place each dough ball in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer.
    Pizza dough in a freezer bag for freezing
  • Optional Second Rise: For enhanced texture, place the dough ball on a floured plate, coat lightly with olive oil, and cover with cling film or a tea towel. Let it rise for 45 minutes.
    Pizza dough ball covered and rising

Assemble the Pizza

  • Shape the Dough: Roll or stretch the dough into your desired shape and size, then place it on a sheet of parchment paper or greaseproof paper.
    pizza dough on greaseproof paper
  • Spread your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
    130 grams Pizza Sauce
    Pizza sauce spread on a pizza dough base
  • Layer slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Alternatively, you can use shredded mozzarella if preferred.
    210 grams Mozzarella
    Mozzarella added to pizza topping
  • Arrange slices of pepperoni over the mozzarella as desired.
    40 grams Pepperoni
    Pepperoni added to pizza topping
  • Spread your jalapenos over the top of your pizza.
    35 grams Jalapenos
    Jalapenos added to pizza topping

Bake the Pizza

  • Use a pizza peel to carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone.
  • Bake for 11–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp on the bottom.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven using the peel and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool for 3–6 minutes before slicing and serving.
    Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza
  • Enjoy your homemade pizza with a perfectly crisp crust and deliciously fresh toppings! 🍕
    Pepperoni, mozzarella and jalapeno pizza

Notes

When using greaseproof paper for pizza, cut it slightly larger than the dough to simplify transferring. The paper prevents sticking and allows for effortless sliding onto a pizza stone or baking tray. Once transferred, trim any overhanging edges or adjust the dough to match the paper’s size, ensuring no stray bits scorch in the oven's heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 17gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 859mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 266mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dough, pepperoni, pesto, pizza, pizza dough
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A slice of this Spicy Pepperoni Jalapeño Pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience bursting with vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a quiet evening, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. Pair it with our crispy French fries recipe for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Easy crispy homemade French fries

Feel free to customize the pizza to your heart’s content, and be sure to check back soon for more recipes, techniques, and tips to fuel your love for cooking.