If you think Papa John's is just about pizza, you're leaving the best part of the meal on the table. The Papa Johns sides and dips are so good that millions of customers order them as a standalone snack — not just as an add-on.
Last Updated: March 2026
From the legendary Special Garlic Sauce that comes free with every order, to the crispy-soft Papa Johns garlic knots that have their own cult following, this is a part of the menu that deserves a full deep-dive.
In this complete 2026 guide, we cover every side dish and every dipping sauce Papa John's offers — with up-to-date prices, calorie info, honest reviews, and the best pairing recommendations so you can order like a pro every single time.
Whether you're a first-timer or a loyal regular, bookmark this page. You'll use it every time you order.
💡 Pro Tip: The Special Garlic Sauce comes FREE with every Papa John's order. Never leave without claiming it — it's arguably the most iconic dipping sauce in all of fast food.
Section 1: Papa Johns Sides Menu — Every Item Explained
Papa John's offers a focused but satisfying lineup of sides. Each one is made with the same quality ingredients as their pizzas — fresh dough, real cheese, and no shortcuts. Here's everything you can order:
1. Garlic Knots — The Fan Favorite
What are they? Soft, warm dough knots brushed with garlic butter and seasoned with parmesan. They come in an order of 8 pieces, served hot alongside a dipping sauce.
- Price: ~$7.49 per order (8 knots)
- Calories: ~110 calories per knot
- Best paired with: Original Pizza Sauce, Ranch, or Cheese Sauce
Garlic Knots are consistently Papa John's top-selling side — and it's not hard to see why. The dough is the same fresh, never-frozen base used in their pizzas, which gives the knots a soft interior and a lightly crisped exterior that's impossible to resist.
They're versatile enough to work as an appetizer, a snack on their own, or the perfect companion to a wing order. Families love ordering a double portion for sharing, and they reheat beautifully in a toaster oven if you have leftovers.
💡 Pro Tip: Order an extra dipping sauce cup alongside your Garlic Knots — Ranch or Cheese Sauce takes them to a completely different level.
2. Original Breadsticks — The Classic
What are they? Oven-baked Papa Johns breadsticks made from Papa John's signature dough. Chewy, soft, and mildly flavored — the perfect neutral canvas for dipping.
- Price: ~$7.49 per order
- Calories: ~170 calories per 2 sticks
- Best paired with: Original Pizza Sauce, Special Garlic Sauce
The original breadsticks are beautifully simple. No heavy seasonings, no added cheese — just fresh dough baked to a golden finish. They're the best choice if you want something to scoop up as much dipping sauce as possible without the sauce competing with a strong flavor.
They are also naturally vegan, which makes them a great option for customers avoiding dairy products. Gluten-sensitive customers should note that they do contain wheat flour.
💡 Pro Tip: The original breadsticks are vegan-friendly — a great option if you're ordering for a mixed group with dietary preferences.
3. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks — The Upgrade
What are they? The same base as original breadsticks, but brushed with garlic sauce and topped with real parmesan cheese. Richer, more indulgent, and deeply savory.
- Price: ~$7.49 per order (10 sticks)
- Calories: ~170 calories per stick
- Best paired with: Original Pizza Sauce, Cheese Sauce
If the original breadsticks are the foundation, the Garlic Parmesan version is the finished building. The addition of real parmesan adds a sharp, nutty richness that transforms a simple side into something genuinely special.
These are not vegan due to the dairy content from parmesan and the garlic sauce base, but for cheese lovers they are the clear upgrade over the original version. Served warm and fresh, they're best consumed immediately — though a quick reheat in the oven brings them right back.
4. Cheesesticks — For Serious Cheese Lovers
What are they? Papa John's pizza crust covered in their signature garlic sauce and topped with a generous layer of 100% real mozzarella cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.
- Price: ~$8.99 per order
- Calories: ~200 calories per 2 sticks
- Best paired with: Original Pizza Sauce, Ranch Sauce
The Papa Johns cheesesticks are essentially a cheese pizza without the toppings — and that's exactly what makes them irresistible. The mozzarella is piled on generously and melts into a golden, slightly crispy layer on top of the fluffy garlic-sauced dough.
They're the most indulgent of the breadstick options and are perfect for cheese lovers who want something more substantial than plain breadsticks. Great for sharing at parties or as a starter before a pizza order arrives.
💡 Pro Tip: Dip Cheesesticks in Ranch Sauce for a creamy, cooling contrast that balances the richness of the melted mozzarella perfectly.
5. Chicken Wings — The Crowd Pleaser
What are they? Papa Johns wings come in both traditional bone-in wings and premium all-white-meat boneless wings. Available in multiple flavors and quantities to suit any group size.
- Price: ~$10.99–$14.99 depending on quantity and type
- Calories: Varies by flavor — typically 70–130 calories per wing
- Best paired with: Blue Cheese Sauce, Ranch Sauce, BBQ Sauce
Wings at Papa John's come in a solid range of flavors. The most popular include Original (lightly seasoned), Buffalo (classic tangy heat), BBQ (sweet and smoky), and Spicy (for heat lovers). The boneless variety uses premium all-white meat chicken, making them a cleaner bite compared to traditional bone-in wings.
They're shareable, satisfying, and work beautifully as either a starter or a main when you want something different from pizza. The dipping sauce you pair with wings makes a significant difference.
💡 Pro Tip: Bone-in wings have more flavor and juiciness. Boneless wings are cleaner to eat and better for groups or kids. Order both if you can't decide!
Papa Johns Sides — Price & Calorie Quick Reference (2026)
| Side Item | Approx. Price | Calories | Best Dip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic Knots (8 pc) | ~$7.49 | ~110 cal/knot | Ranch / Cheese Sauce |
| Original Breadsticks | ~$7.49 | ~170 cal/2 sticks | Pizza Sauce / Garlic |
| Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks | ~$7.49 | ~170 cal/stick | Pizza Sauce / Cheese |
| Cheesesticks | ~$8.99 | ~200 cal/2 sticks | Ranch / Pizza Sauce |
| Bone-In Wings (8 pc) | ~$10.99 | Varies by flavor | Blue Cheese / Ranch |
| Boneless Wings (8 pc) | ~$12.99 | Varies by flavor | BBQ / Ranch |
Note: Prices may vary slightly by location. Always check your local Papa John's app or website for the most current pricing in your area.
Section 2: Papa Johns Dipping Sauces — Every Sauce Ranked & Reviewed
The Papa Johns dipping sauces are arguably what separates a good meal from an unforgettable one. Papa John's offers one of the most varied sauce lineups in the pizza industry. Here is every sauce you need to know about:
1. Special Garlic Sauce — The Legend 🏆
Flavor profile: Creamy, rich, deeply garlicky with a smooth buttery finish.
Price: FREE with every order (additional cups available)
Best with: Pizza crust, Breadsticks, Garlic Knots, Cheesesticks
This is the sauce that built Papa John's reputation. Every order comes with a complimentary cup of Special Garlic Sauce, and for good reason — it is genuinely one of the most addictive dipping sauces in the fast food industry.
2. Ranch Sauce — The All-Rounder
Flavor profile: Cool, creamy, tangy, and herb-forward with notes of dill, parsley, and garlic.
Price: ~$0.50–$0.75 per cup
Best with: Wings, Cheesesticks, Garlic Knots, Breadsticks
Ranch is consistently one of the most-ordered dipping sauces at Papa John's, and it earns that popularity by being genuinely versatile. Unlike the garlic sauce, Ranch offers a cooling, refreshing contrast that pairs brilliantly with spicy or rich items.
3. Cheese Sauce — The Indulgent Choice
Flavor profile: Rich, velvety, and intensely cheesy with a smooth gooey texture.
Price: ~$0.50–$0.75 per cup
Best with: Garlic Knots, Breadsticks, Wings, Pizza Crust
It works especially well with Garlic Knots and Breadsticks, adding a layer of gooey cheese flavor that makes every bite more satisfying. For cheese lovers who feel that their pizza can never have enough dairy, the Cheese Sauce is an essential order.
4. Spicy Garlic Sauce — For Heat Lovers
Flavor profile: All the creaminess of the Special Garlic Sauce with a bold, fiery kick from jalapeño and red bell pepper.
Best with: Wings, Breadsticks, Pizza Crust
5. Blue Cheese Sauce — The Wing Classic
Flavor profile: Bold, tangy, creamy, and sharp with authentic blue cheese character.
Best with: Buffalo Wings, Breadsticks, Pepperoni Pizza
6. Buffalo Spicy Sauce — The Heat Seeker's Choice
Flavor profile: Tangy, vinegary heat with a rich buttery base — classic Buffalo flavor.
Best with: Wings, Cheesesticks, Breadsticks
7. BBQ Sauce — The Sweet & Smoky Option
Flavor profile: Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy with a thick, rich consistency.
Best with: Wings, Pizza Crust, Cheesesticks
8. Honey Mustard Sauce — The Crowd Pleaser
Flavor profile: Sweet honey balanced with tangy mustard and a mild herby note.
Best with: Wings, Garlic Knots, Cheesesticks
9. Original Pizza Sauce — The Classic Foundation
Flavor profile: Rich tomato base with a well-seasoned blend of herbs and spices.
Best with: Breadsticks, Garlic Knots, Cheesesticks
Papa Johns Dipping Sauces — Complete Ranking Table
| Sauce | Heat Level | Dairy-Free? | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Garlic Sauce | None | No | Everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ranch Sauce | None | No | Wings, Cheesesticks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cheese Sauce | None | No | Knots, Breadsticks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Blue Cheese Sauce | None | No | Buffalo Wings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Honey Mustard | None | Check local | Wings, Knots | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| BBQ Sauce | None | Yes | Wings, Crust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Buffalo Spicy Sauce | Medium-High | Yes | Wings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spicy Garlic Sauce | Medium | Yes | Wings, Crust | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Original Pizza Sauce | None | Yes | Breadsticks | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
Section 3: The Perfect Pairing Guide — What Goes with What
| If you ordered... | Best Sauce Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Knots | Ranch or Cheese Sauce | Cool/creamy contrast to the garlic butter richness |
| Original Breadsticks | Special Garlic Sauce or Pizza Sauce | Classic combo — the sauces complement the neutral dough perfectly |
| Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks | Cheese Sauce or Pizza Sauce | Double down on savory cheese OR balance with tangy tomato |
| Cheesesticks | Ranch Sauce | The cool herby ranch cuts beautifully through the rich mozzarella |
| Buffalo Wings | Blue Cheese or Ranch | The creamy cooling sauces are essential with buffalo heat |
| BBQ Wings | Ranch or Honey Mustard | Adds sweet tang or herby freshness without competing with smoke |
| Boneless Wings | BBQ or Ranch | Both cling well and complement the milder flavor of white meat |
Section 5: Insider Tips to Get the Most from Papa Johns Sides & Dips
Tip 1 — Always claim your free garlic sauce: It's complimentary with every order and it's one of the best sauces in fast food. Never leave without it.
Tip 2 — Order sides as starters: Papa John's sides, especially Garlic Knots and Cheesesticks, arrive at the same time as your pizza. Share them as an appetizer while the pizza cools to an optimal eating temperature.
Tip 3 — Use Papa Rewards on sides: Every order earns Papa Rewards points, including sides. Join the Papa Rewards program if you haven't already.
Tip 4 — Reheat leftover breadsticks correctly: Always use a conventional oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. The microwave makes them soft and rubbery.
Tip 5 — Pair sides with your pizza flavor: Match your side to your pizza. Spicy pizzas pair best with cooling Ranch or Blue Cheese dips. Rich meat pizzas work well with Garlic Knots and Cheese Sauce.
Tip 6 — Double your dipping sauce: One sauce cup often isn't enough for a full order of wings or breadsticks. Add an extra cup when ordering.
Final Verdict: Are Papa Johns Sides & Dips Worth Ordering?
Absolutely — and for many customers, they're the highlight of the meal.
The sides at Papa John's are made with the same care and quality as their pizzas. They're not an afterthought on this menu. They're a genuine feature.
And the dipping sauces? The Special Garlic Sauce alone has inspired millions of loyalties. Add in the versatility of Ranch, the richness of Cheese Sauce, and the bold options like Blue Cheese and Buffalo Spicy, and you have one of the best sauce lineups in the fast food pizza world.
Whether you're building the perfect pizza night spread or just grabbing a quick side with your order, this guide gives you everything you need to choose confidently.
👉 View the complete Papa Johns full menu with prices.
👉 Find the best pizza delivery near you.
👉 Learn about the Papa Johns Papadias flavors.
👉 Read our guide to Papa Johns Classic Pizzas.
👉 Locate a store using the Papa Johns store locator.
👉 Additional Resource: Papa Johns pizzas
👉 Additional Resource: Papa Johns Super Loaded Pizzas
👉 Additional Resource: earn rewards on sides
👉 Additional Resource: Papa Johns sides deals
