Cheese Pizza from Papa John's features a hand-tossed, golden crust topped with a rich tomato sauce and generous layers of melted, gooey mozzarella cheese, delivering a classic, savory flavor with a bubbly, slightly crispy finish.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Dough mixer
- Dough roller or pizza dough press
- Pizza peel
- Pizza cutter
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded)
- Pizza pan or screen
- Cooling rack
- Prep table or countertop
Ingredients
- 1 ball (about 1 lb) pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Pizza dough quality significantly impacts your crust's texture and flavor; you should use a fresh, well-proofed dough ball weighing approximately 1 lb for optimal results. Opt for a rich, slightly sweet tomato pizza sauce to balance the savory mozzarella, applying roughly 1 cup evenly across the dough. Use about 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melted layer that creates the signature bubbly and slightly crispy finish. Lightly dusting your pizza peel with cornmeal or flour prevents sticking during transfer to the oven, ensuring a smooth bake. This combination of ingredients and preparation helps recreate the authentic taste of Cheese Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu at home.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C), placing pizza pan or screen inside.
- Lightly flour or dust prep table/countertop with cornmeal.
- Place pizza dough ball on surface; use dough roller or press to shape into a 12-inch circle.
- Lightly brush pizza dough edge with olive oil.
- Use sauce ladle to spread tomato pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over sauced dough.
- Carefully transfer pizza to hot pizza pan/screen using pizza peel.
- Bake pizza in oven for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove pizza using pizza peel and place on cooling rack for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer pizza to prep table/countertop and slice with pizza cutter.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Cheese Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu uses a hand-tossed dough, rich tomato sauce, and ample mozzarella cheese to replicate the signature taste and texture. If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, shredded low-moisture mozzarella can be substituted to maintain meltiness and flavor. Your pizza oven should be preheated for optimal crispiness, but a home oven set to the highest temperature can also work if needed. Cornmeal or flour dusting on your pizza peel is essential to prevent sticking and ensure easy transfer to the oven. Consider using a pizza stone if you don't have a pizza pan or screen, as it helps mimic the crispy crust from the original.
Tips
Make sure your pizza oven reaches a consistent 475degF for an optimal crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Dust your prep surface with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking when stretching your 1 lb dough into a 12-inch circle. Brush olive oil on the edges to help achieve a golden, slightly crispy crust and enhance flavor. Use a pizza peel to transfer your assembled pizza onto the hot pizza pan or screen carefully, ensuring even cooking and maintaining your pizza's shape.
Nutritions
Cheese Pizza from Papa John's provides approximately 285 calories per slice with 12 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein, making it a balanced option for a meal. Mozzarella cheese contributes to your daily calcium intake, supporting bone health, while the tomato sauce offers antioxidants like lycopene. The hand-tossed crust adds a source of carbohydrates for energy, and olive oil used in preparation provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. You can enjoy this pizza knowing it delivers essential nutrients but should be consumed in moderation due to sodium content.
Storage
Store leftover Cheese Pizza from Papa John's in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and safety. When reheating, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and gooey mozzarella texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with adding fresh basil or oregano to the tomato sauce for an herbaceous twist. Swap out mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone to achieve a richer, creamier cheese layer. Instead of a hand-tossed crust, try rolling the dough thinner for a crispier finish or thicker for a chewier bite. Brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil before baking adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the pizza's flavor.
Allergies
Your Cheese Pizza from Papa John's contains common allergens including milk from the mozzarella cheese and wheat from the pizza dough, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy or gluten allergies. Cross-contamination with other allergens such as soy or nuts is possible depending on preparation environments, so always check with the restaurant about their allergen handling practices. If you have severe food allergies, consult ingredient lists and alert the staff to ensure your safety before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Papa John's Cheese Pizza features a signature blend of creamy mozzarella and tangy provolone cheeses, melted over a hand-tossed crust made from fresh, high-quality dough. The sauce, crafted from vine-ripened tomatoes and secret spices, delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that enhances every bite. Many customers appreciate how the pizza retains its chewy texture and rich flavor even after delivery, making it a convenient and satisfying meal choice. You'll find making a copycat version rewarding by recreating the authentic taste and customizing your pizza to suit your preference at home.