Meats Pizza from Papa John's features a hearty combination of savory pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, and seasoned ham atop a layer of melted mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce, all baked on a golden, hand-tossed crust for a satisfying, flavor-packed experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough mixer
- Rolling pin or dough sheeter
- Pizza cutter
- Mixing bowls
- Ladle or sauce spoon
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Baking tray or pizza screen
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 12-14 oz)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked smoked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
The quality of meats significantly impacts the flavor of your pizza, so choose fresh, high-quality pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, and ham for the best taste. Ensure that all meats are fully cooked and properly chopped or crumbled before adding them to the pizza to maintain even cooking and enhance texture. Use about 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of tomato sauce spread evenly for a balanced cheese-to-sauce ratio that complements the savory toppings. Hand-tossed dough weighing around 12-14 ounces creates the ideal crust thickness for a crispy but tender base. Your Meats Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu will deliver the authentic, hearty combination of flavors that fans expect, baked to perfection with these ingredient tips in mind.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Lightly flour surface and roll out pizza dough to desired size.
- Transfer dough to pizza peel or baking tray.
- Spread tomato pizza sauce evenly over dough using ladle or sauce spoon, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over cheese.
- Distribute crumbled cooked Italian sausage over pizza.
- Sprinkle chopped cooked smoked bacon on top.
- Scatter diced cooked ham evenly over the pizza.
- Carefully transfer assembled pizza to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove pizza using the peel and cool on a rack for several minutes.
- Slice pizza with pizza cutter and serve.
Substitution
Meats Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu combines pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, and ham on mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce atop a hand-tossed crust. If you lack certain meats, consider substituting with other cooked cured meats like salami or pancetta to maintain the savory flavor profile. When rolling your dough, a rolling pin can replace a dough sheeter without impacting the crust's texture. Use a pizza peel to safely transfer the pizza into a preheated pizza oven for optimal crust crispness. Your cooling rack will help prevent sogginess by letting the pizza rest after baking.
Tips
Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling to prevent tearing and uneven cooking. Avoid overloading the pizza with too many toppings as it can make the crust soggy and affect baking time. When spreading the tomato sauce, leave a clean border for a crispy crust and better flavor balance. Use your pizza peel to slide the pizza smoothly into the oven, reducing the risk of toppings shifting or the dough sticking.
Nutritions
Meats Pizza from Papa John's provides a rich source of protein derived from pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, and ham, essential for muscle repair and growth. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, while the tomato sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene that promote heart health. The hand-tossed crust offers carbohydrates necessary for energy, making it a balanced meal when paired with the meats and cheese. Your meal also contains a moderate amount of fats, primarily from the meats and cheese, which contribute to satiety and flavor.
Storage
To store leftover Meats Pizza from Papa John's, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent freezer burn. Place wrapped slices in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, then label with the date and freeze for up to 1-2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture. When reheating, you can warm your pizza slices in a conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the crust stays crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder flavor profile. Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese to add a richer, creamier texture. For a crispier crust, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake on a pizza stone or screen to enhance heat circulation. Swap smoked bacon with pancetta if you prefer a more delicate, slightly sweet cured meat flavor.
Allergies
Papa John's Meats Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the pizza dough, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The meats--pepperoni, Italian sausage, smoked bacon, and ham--may contain preservatives or additives that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have meat or dairy allergies before enjoying this flavor-packed pizza.
Why this recipe?
Papa John's Meats Pizza menu is loved for its generous toppings of Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, and fresh-cut meats that deliver a rich, savory flavor in every bite. You get a satisfying blend of premium ingredients combined with a perfectly baked crust that balances crispiness and softness. This pizza offers a hearty, well-rounded taste experience that stands out in the crowded pizza market. Attempting a copycat version allows you to customize the quality and proportions of meats to suit your preferences and recreate that iconic flavor at home.