Papa John's Pizza: Pan Or Toss?

Papa John's offers a variety of pizza crusts, including hand-tossed and pan pizza. The traditional hand-tossed pizza is made with basic ingredients such as unbleached enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, soybean oil, salt, and yeast. The dough is proofed until it's about three inches thick, then rolled with a dough docker and shaped by hand to create a crust that's about a quarter of an inch thick. On the other hand, the Pan Pizza, launched in 2016, is made with a seven-ingredient dough that is rolled out with a spiked docker and placed in a pan. It has a unique cooking process and oven, resulting in a caramelized crisp edge. Papa John's also introduced a New York-style pizza with a thin, foldable crust, inspired by the Big Apple's famous pies.

Papa John's Pan Pizza is made differently from its other pizzas

Papa John's offers a variety of pizzas, including hand-tossed and thin-crust options. However, the Papa Johns Pan Pizza stands out as being made differently from the other pizzas on the menu. Introduced in 2016, the Pan Pizza is crafted with a unique process that sets it apart from its counterparts.

The Pan Pizza dough contains only seven simple ingredients, which are carefully rolled out with a spiked docker to eliminate any air bubbles. This dough is then placed in a pan, marking the first difference from the traditional hand-tossed pizzas. The use of a pan gives the pizza its characteristic shape and texture.

The pan serves as a vessel for the sauce and toppings, which are generously applied. The final touch is the cheese, which is spread all the way to the crust, creating a mouth-watering "cheese ring." This distinct cheese placement is another factor that sets the Pan Pizza apart.

Furthermore, the Pan Pizza requires special attention during the baking process. It is not cooked in the same oven as the hand-tossed and thin-crust varieties due to its unique baking requirements. This distinction led to restaurants having to install additional equipment or acquire separate ovens to accommodate the Pan Pizza.

The result of this specialised process is a pizza with a unique texture and flavour. The outer edge of the Pan Pizza is described as "less crust and more of a caramelized crisp," offering a delightful contrast to the soft, cheesy centre. This combination of crisp edges and a chewy crust has earned the Pan Pizza its dedicated fan base.

In summary, the Papa Johns Pan Pizza is a standout offering from the pizza chain. From its dough preparation to baking process, it differs significantly from its hand-tossed and thin-crust cousins. The Pan Pizza's unique characteristics have not only delighted customers but also driven innovations in the Papa John's kitchen, showcasing the company's dedication to bringing diverse and delicious pizza options to its patrons.

The dough is rolled out with a spiky docker and put in a pan

The process of making Papa John's Pan Pizza is quite intricate and involves several steps to achieve that perfect, mouth-watering result. One of the key steps is the preparation of the dough, which serves as the foundation for this beloved pizza. The dough for the Pan Pizza is crafted with just seven simple ingredients, carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Once the dough is ready, it undergoes a unique process to transform it into the base for the pizza. A spiky docker, also known as a spiked roller, plays a crucial role in this step. The dough is carefully rolled out with this docker, ensuring that any air bubbles are pierced and removed. This step is essential to achieving the desired texture and consistency of the final product. By using the spiky docker, the dough is not only perforated but also stretched and shaped into the perfect size for the pan.

The next step is to place the rolled-out dough into a pan. Unlike the hand-tossed variety, the Pan Pizza gets its name from this very step. The dough is gently laid into the pan, creating a snug fit. This technique is what sets the Pan Pizza apart from other styles, such as the thin crust or hand-tossed options. The pan becomes the vessel in which the pizza is shaped, baked, and served, giving it a unique texture and flavour profile.

The pan used for this style of pizza is specifically designed to create a distinct cooking environment. It provides a uniform heat distribution, ensuring that the dough cooks evenly and consistently. The pan's surface also contributes to the formation of a crispy, golden crust—a hallmark of the Pan Pizza style. This crust is often described as having "less crust and more of a caramelized crisp," creating a sensory experience that delights both the eyes and the palate.

The final steps involve adding the sauce, toppings, and cheese. The sauce is spread generously, leaving about an inch from the border untouched. The toppings are then carefully placed, and finally, the cheese is added, creating the perfect "cheese ring." The pan pizza is then baked to perfection, resulting in a delicious treat that has become a favourite among Papa John's patrons.

The thin crust is key to the foldability of Papa John's New York-style pizza

Papa Johns is tossing up a New York-style pizza with a foldable crust. The pizza chain has described its new offering as having "eight oversized, foldable slices with just the right balance of crust and toppings". The 16-inch pizza's thin crust is key to its foldability, according to Papa Johns.

New York-style pizzas are known for being bigger than average with a less doughy crust. Papa Johns' new pizza certainly fits that description. Its slices are larger than those of a normal Papa Johns pie, and you can fold them. However, one reviewer noted that the pizza was "positively flaccid" and that the crust was "pale, sagging, and flavorless".

The thin crust is made with the company's signature six-ingredient dough. Scott Rodriguez, the company's senior vice president of menu strategy and product innovation, said in a press release:

> The crust made with our signature, six-ingredient dough and delicious toppings is what truly sets our NY Style pizza apart and offers pizza-lovers a new way to experience this East Coast staple, no matter where they live or how they choose to enjoy it.

The New York-style pizza costs $13 for a one-topping version and was available from 27 December 2021 until 13 March 2022.

The traditional hand-tossed pizza dough is made with basic ingredients

Papa John's offers both pan and hand-tossed pizzas. While the former is available in pepperoni and cheese, the hand-tossed pizza seems to be a more popular choice.

The type of flour used can vary, with bread flour or all-purpose flour being common choices. Bread flour will give a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour provides a more versatile option. Olive oil is often used for its flavour and to prevent the dough from drying out. It is also brushed onto the dough before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.

Yeast is another crucial ingredient, with instant yeast being a popular choice due to its convenience and ability to strengthen the dough. The amount of yeast used can vary depending on the desired rise time and the type of yeast. Sugar is sometimes added to increase yeast activity and tenderize the dough.

The dough-making process typically involves mixing the ingredients, kneading the dough, and allowing it to rise. The dough is then shaped into a disc and stretched to the desired thickness. The crust can be thin and crispy or thick and soft, depending on personal preference.

Hand-tossed pizza dough is a versatile base that can be used for various dishes, including calzones, stromboli, and cheese breadsticks. It is a simple yet delicious option that can be easily made at home, bringing the pizzeria experience to your kitchen.

The Papa John's Pan Pizza has a caramelized crisp outer edge

Papa John's offers a variety of pizzas, including hand-tossed and pan pizzas. The Papa Johns Pan Pizza, introduced in 2016, is a unique offering with a distinct texture and flavour. The pan pizza is crafted with a specific process that differs from their traditional hand-tossed pizzas.

The pan pizza's dough, comprising only seven simple ingredients, is meticulously prepared and rolled out with a spiked docker to prevent air bubbles from forming. This dough is then placed in a pan, marking the first distinction from hand-tossed pizzas.

The pan-shaped base is then adorned with a generous spread of their signature tomato sauce, which extends about an inch from the border. The sauce is known for its sweetness, attributed to a combination of fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, salt, garlic, spices, oils, and a notable amount of sugar.

Following the saucing, the pan pizza is topped with a variety of toppings, including pepperoni or a blend of cheeses, depending on the customer's preference. The final touch is the addition of cheese, carefully spread all the way to the crust, creating a perfect "cheese ring."

The true star of the show, however, is the outer edge of the Papa Johns Pan Pizza. Unlike a traditional crust, this edge transforms during the baking process, resulting in a caramelized crisp texture. Business Insider describes it as "less crust and more of a caramelized crisp," elevating the sensory experience with a unique crunch.

The pan pizza is baked in a separate oven from the hand-tossed and thin-crust varieties due to its distinct baking requirements. This specialty equipment ensures the perfect cooking conditions for achieving the coveted caramelized crisp outer edge.

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