Papa Johns Revives Pan Pizza with Crispy,Garlic-infused Crust
Papa Johns is re-entering the pan pizza arena after a nearly decade-long hiatus,betting on a revamped recipe and a surge in demand leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. The company is positioning the return of this popular format as a major menu addition, aiming to capture both nostalgia and a new generation of pizza lovers.
Choosing a pizza chain for the Super bowl is a critically importent decision for many,and Papa Johns is making a strong case for itself with this strategic relaunch. The brand asserts the new pan pizza evokes the same fond memories as the original, but with noticeable improvements to both flavor and texture.
Initial reactions to the revamped recipe have been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about whether a chain pizza can truly deliver on the promise of a perfect pan pizza. “Pan pizza is one of those formats everyone thinks they love-thick, cheesy, and indulgent-but it’s also easy to get wrong,” one reviewer noted. Concerns ofen center around potential issues like a doughy crust, excessive greasiness, or an overreliance on cheese.
Though, early assessments suggest Papa Johns has addressed these common pitfalls.The key innovation lies in the crust, which is baked with Parmesan and the chain’s signature garlic sauce directly in the pan. This results in a remarkably crispy, caramelized edge that delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite. “That garlicky, cheesy crunch hits promptly, and it’s genuinely satisfying in a way most chain pizza crusts are not,” according to a recent taste test.
Beyond the crust, the pizza features a six-cheese blend and an unexpectedly airy interior. This combination creates a rich, yet surprisingly light, experience, avoiding the heavy or soggy texture that can plague other pan pizzas.The cheese blend, while seemingly excessive to some, is described as “indulgent without being overwhelming.”
What truly sets this iteration apart is the evolving flavor profile as you move toward the crust. Unlike typical pizzas where the crust becomes less appealing, the Papa Johns pan pizza intensifies in flavor with each bite. “Each bite toward the edge gets more flavorful than the last,” a reviewer observed. “The crispy, buttery crust becomes the star, and by the final bite, I actually understood Papa Johns’ claim that the last bite is better than the first.”
The company recognizes the competitive landscape of the pan pizza market and has opted to focus on refining texture, flavor, and evoking a sense of nostalgia rather than attempting a radical reinvention. while it may not become anyone’s everyday order, the new pan pizza has earned a place in the rotation for special occasions.
The nationwide launch is scheduled for January 29, with prices starting at $11.99 for a one-topping medium pan pizza at participating locations.
Why did Papa Johns bring back the pan pizza? Papa Johns reintroduced the pan pizza to capitalize on the high demand expected during Super Bowl season and to offer a nostalgic,yet improved,option for pizza lovers. The company aims to capture a share of the competitive pan pizza market.
Who is behind the relaunch? Papa Johns corporate team spearheaded the relaunch, focusing on recipe refinement and marketing the pizza as a premium offering. Taste tests and reviewer feedback played a role in the final product.
What is new about the pan pizza? The key innovation is the crust, baked directly in the pan with Parmesan and garlic sauce, creating a crispy, caramelized edge. The pizza also features a six-cheese blend and an airy interior.
How did the relaunch end? The nationwide launch of the pan pizza is scheduled for january 29
