Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza features a hand-tossed crust topped with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and generous slices of spicy pepperoni, delivering a classic, savory flavor with a crispy, golden-brown finish.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough mixer
- Dough docker
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater
- Pizza cutter
- Baking screen or pizza pan
- Prep table
- Food scale
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup (240ml) zesty tomato pizza sauce
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 slices pepperoni
Make sure the all-purpose flour is measured accurately at 440 grams using a food scale for consistent dough texture. Use warm water around 110degF (43degC) to properly activate the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, ensuring the crust rises well. Opt for zesty tomato pizza sauce with balanced acidity to complement the 200 grams of shredded mozzarella cheese and spicy pepperoni slices. Olive oil and sugar contribute to the dough's flavor and fermentation, so do not skip these ingredients. Your attempt at the Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza copycat will deliver a classic hand-tossed crust with savory cheese and pepperoni toppings for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- In dough mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to yeast mixture.
- Mix dough on medium speed until smooth and elastic (about 7-10 minutes).
- Transfer dough to lightly oiled prep table, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, weigh and divide if needed.
- Shape dough into a round using hands or rolling pin.
- Use dough docker to prevent bubbles.
- Place dough onto baking screen or pizza pan.
- Spread tomato pizza sauce evenly using sauce ladle.
- Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices over cheese.
- Carefully transfer pizza to oven using pizza peel.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden-brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza from oven and place on prep table.
- Slice with pizza cutter.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza copycat features a hand-tossed crust with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices for an authentic taste. If you can't find zesty tomato pizza sauce, use regular pizza sauce and add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor. When preparing the dough, using a dough docker prevents bubbles, ensuring an even bake and crisp crust. Substitute mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese profile if desired. Your pizza oven heat and baking time may vary, so keep a close eye to achieve the perfect crispy, golden-brown finish.
Tips
Make sure to proof the yeast properly by dissolving it in warm water with sugar and waiting until it becomes frothy, ensuring your dough rises well. Use the dough docker after shaping the dough to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking, which helps achieve an even crust texture. When spreading the tomato sauce, avoid using too much to prevent sogginess and ensure the crust remains crispy. Remember, placing the pizza on a preheated baking screen or pizza pan in a 475degF (245degC) oven promotes even cooking and a golden-brown finish for your Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza.
Nutritions
Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza provides a balance of macronutrients with carbohydrates primarily from the all-purpose flour crust and tomato sauce, while protein and fats come from the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. The olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, and the tomato sauce contributes vitamins A and C along with antioxidants like lycopene. You can expect a typical serving to deliver around 270-300 calories per slice, with moderate protein and fat content to keep energy levels sustained. Keep portion sizes in mind to manage sodium intake, as processed pepperoni can be high in salt.
Storage
To store Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza properly, wrap leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Place wrapped slices in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate within two hours of baking to reduce bacteria growth. When reheating, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese texture, ensuring Your pizza tastes almost as fresh as when first baked.
Variation or Alternatives
To create a variation, you can substitute the zesty tomato pizza sauce with a garlic and herb white sauce for a richer, creamier base that complements the spicy pepperoni. Swap shredded mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese to enhance the melt and add a subtle smokiness to your pizza. For a crispier crust, try brushing the dough edges with olive oil infused with garlic and dried oregano before baking, which will give your pizza a flavorful golden finish. You can also replace pepperoni slices with spicy Italian sausage or a combination of both, allowing your pizza to cater perfectly to your preferred taste.
Allergies
Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and dairy in the shredded mozzarella cheese, which can trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance, respectively. The pizza sauce may include ingredients like tomatoes and spices that can cause sensitivities in some people. You should always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before enjoying this pizza.
Why this recipe?
Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza features perfectly seasoned, high-quality pepperoni slices that deliver a bold, savory flavor appealing to pizza lovers. The hand-tossed crust balances crispiness and softness, complemented by a rich, tangy tomato sauce made from vine-ripened tomatoes and a generous layer of real mozzarella cheese. Many fans appreciate the consistent freshness and generous portion size that maximize every bite. Your attempt to make a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients while recreating the iconic taste that has made Papa John's a popular choice for pepperoni pizza enthusiasts.