What Is Papa Johns Pan Pizza?
Papa Johns Pan Pizza is a thick-crust pizza baked directly in a metal pan, which gives it a completely different texture from the Original Crust Classic Pizzas or New York Style options. The crust is fluffy and airy on the inside, with a crispy, caramelized bottom created by baking Parmesan cheese and Papa Johns Special Garlic Sauce directly into the pan before the dough goes in.
The result is a pizza that has three distinct texture layers:
- Top layer: A six-cheese blend spread edge-to-edge, creating a crispy cheese "crown" along the edges — similar to Detroit-style pizza
- Middle layer: Soft, pillowy dough with an open crumb structure that does not feel heavy or doughy
- Bottom layer: A golden, caramelized crust infused with garlic parmesan — no greasy oil-soaked base
This is also not a limited-time offer. Papa Johns has confirmed Pan Pizza as a permanent addition to their core menu — though location availability may vary. Find your nearest store using our Papa Johns Store Locator.
Papa Johns Pan Pizza Price (2026)
| Size | Toppings | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (12 inch) | 1 topping | $11.99 |
| Medium (12 inch) | Additional toppings | Varies by location |
Important pricing notes:
- Pan Pizza is currently available in medium only (12 inches, 8 slices). No large or small size exists yet.
- The $11.99 price is the national suggested retail price. Your local store may charge slightly more or less.
- Best way to save: Apply a promo code at checkout. Check our Papa Johns Coupons page for verified deals updated daily.
- Papa Rewards members earn Papa Dough on every Pan Pizza order. Join Papa Rewards free here.
The 6-Cheese Blend: What Makes It Different
Every other pan pizza at major chains uses mozzarella as the primary cheese. Papa Johns Pan Pizza uses a six-cheese blend that covers the pizza from edge to edge:
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Role in the Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild, creamy | Stretch and base melt |
| Provolone | Slightly tangy | Added depth and pull |
| Fontina | Rich, buttery | Creaminess and richness |
| Asiago | Sharp, complex | Flavor intensity |
| Parmesan | Salty, nutty | Crust bottom caramelization |
| Romano | Bold, aged | Finishing sharpness |
Because the cheese blend reaches all the way to the edge, it develops a caramelized cheese "crown" along the crust. No artificial colors or flavors are used — consistent with Papa Johns' "Better Ingredients. Better Pizza." promise.
Papa Johns Pan Pizza Toppings — Complete List
Pan Pizza can hold up to 7 toppings, and the thick crust supports them without becoming soggy. All standard Papa Johns toppings are available:
Meat toppings: Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Bacon, Canadian Bacon, Grilled Chicken, Beef, Anchovies
Vegetable toppings: Onions, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Black Olives, Roma Tomatoes, Banana Peppers, Jalapeños, Fresh Spinach, Roasted Garlic
Sauce options: Original Pizza Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Garlic Parmesan Sauce, Buffalo Sauce, Spinach Alfredo
💡 Tip: The garlic parmesan bottom crust is baked in by default and cannot be removed. If you prefer milder flavor, choose Original Pizza Sauce as your base. For the complete Papa Johns menu with prices, see our full guide.
Papa Johns Pan Pizza Calories & Full Nutrition (Medium, Per Slice)
| Nutrition | Per Slice (1-Topping Medium) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 960mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 17g |
Full pizza (8 slices) totals approximately: 2,800 calories | 160g fat | 216g carbs | 136g protein
For the full allergen and calorie breakdown across all Papa Johns items, visit our Papa Johns Nutrition Guide.
Calorie Comparison with Other Papa Johns Pizzas
| Pizza | Calories Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Pan Pizza (medium) | ~350 cal |
| Classic Cheese Pizza (large) | ~260 cal |
| The Works (large) | ~360 cal |
| The Meats (large) | ~390 cal |
See our full Papa Johns Classic Pizzas guide and Super Loaded Pizzas guide for more comparisons.
Honest Review: What Real Customers Are Saying in 2026
What people love
The caramelized bottom crust is universally praised. The combination of garlic sauce and Parmesan baked into the pan creates a flavor that reviewers compared to Cheez-It crackers — salty, sharp, and deeply savory. One major food review site gave it a rare 10 out of 10.
The cheese crown along the border is a standout feature, especially compared to Pizza Hut's plain crust edge. The dough texture is praised for being airy without feeling undercooked.
What people do not love
Location inconsistency is the most common complaint — some stores execute it better than others. Medium-only size also frustrates customers ordering for groups. For group orders, pair it with our Papa Johns Sides & Dips guide to round out the meal.
Papa Johns Pan Pizza vs Pizza Hut vs Domino's
| Feature | Papa Johns | Pizza Hut | Domino's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese blend | 6 cheeses ✅ | Mozzarella | Mozzarella blend |
| Crust bottom | Garlic Parmesan baked in ✅ | Oil-soaked | Standard |
| Edge style | Caramelized cheese crown ✅ | Plain crust | Plain crust |
| Available sizes | Medium only | Personal, Medium, Large ✅ | Medium, Large ✅ |
| Starting price | $11.99 | ~$10.99–$14.99 | ~$12.99 |
| Permanent menu | Yes ✅ | Yes | Yes |
How to Order Papa Johns Pan Pizza
- Online: Visit papajohns.com and apply a promo code at checkout
- Papa Johns App: Get exclusive app-only deals and earn Papa Rewards on every order
- Carryout: Find your store using our Papa Johns Store Locator — avoids delivery fees
💡 Pro tip: Order carryout for the crispiest bottom crust. If reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Final Verdict: Should You Order It?
Papa Johns Pan Pizza in 2026 is a genuinely impressive product. The six-cheese blend, caramelized garlic parmesan bottom crust, and edge-to-edge coverage give it real differentiation from Pizza Hut and Domino's. At $11.99 for a medium, the value is solid. If your first experience was flat, try carryout at a different location — because when it is made correctly, this pizza delivers on its promise.
👉 View the Full Papa Johns Menu with Prices
