Pin it A vibrant, sweet-and-spicy pizza combining creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and fresh jalapeños for a unique appetizer or main dish.
When I first tried cranberry jalapeño dip on its own, I knew it would shine as a pizza topping. This recipe is a go-to for easy entertaining and impresses everyone with its bold, fresh taste.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 1 cup, chopped
- Fresh jalapeños: 2, seeded and finely diced
- Green onions: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Prepared pizza crust: 12-inch, thin or regular
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and brush lightly with olive oil.
- Mix the cranberry jalapeño topping:
- In a bowl, combine cranberries, jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, sugar, lime juice, and salt. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Create the cream cheese layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the pizza:
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the prepared pizza crust. Sprinkle mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the cranberry topping:
- Using a slotted spoon, top the pizza evenly with the cranberry jalapeño mixture (drain off excess liquid first).
- Bake:
- Bake for 12<15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into slices and serve warm.
Pin it My family always gathers in the kitchen when this pizza comes out of the oven. The bright pops of cranberry and slices of jalapeño make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Slice into small squares for a perfect party appetizer, or pair with a crisp salad for a light main dish.
Customizations
Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or use a gluten-free crust to fit dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
Each serving: 260 calories, 14 g fat, 27 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein.
Pin it This colorful pizza brings together sweet, tangy, and spicy for a crowd-pleasing twist. It always gets rave reviews at parties!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I increase the spiciness?
Leave seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- → Can I use dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries will alter texture and sweetness; fresh or frozen are recommended for best results.
- → What cheese substitutes work well?
Try swapping cream cheese for goat cheese, or use cheddar instead of Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian. Be sure to check labels for rennet in cheese if needed.
- → What tools are required?
You'll need an oven, pizza stone or baking sheet, mixing bowls, slotted spoon, and a spatula.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.