You understand the present viral development that 2026 is the brand new 2016? That’s precisely what Papa Johns’ new and improved Pan Pizza is like.
Sure, as a result of it’s a noticeable improve from the 2016 model TIB reviewed, not only a quiet tweak or a nostalgia cash-in.
Let’s begin with the field. Papa Johns saved the flamboyant PANS packaging (bringing again Kelley’s pun), however swapped the shiny black for a smooth matte inexperienced. The entrance of the field is curiously designed with written descriptors of “causes to imagine” on this new pan and improved model: crispy garlic parmesan crust, Italian seasoning, and 6 cheeses, edge-to-edge cheese and sauce. Usually, that type of copy makes my eyes glaze over, however on this case, it bought me hyped!
After I opened the field, the very first thing I seen was the cheese lace alongside the sides—robust Detroit-style vibes. In contrast to the 2016 model, this one wasn’t burnt in any respect. As an alternative, I bought a clear, crispy cheese shatter.
As I ate, I peeled off among the pizza cheese so I might give attention to the dough beneath. The crust was softer and fluffier, precisely what you need from a pan pizza.
Then got here the actual pleasant shock: cheese baked into the underside of the pan. If you get a chew with crispy crust and caramelized cheese (or cheese doily, as I prefer to name it) beneath, it delivers a savory, umami punch that truthfully jogged my memory of how Cheez-It crackers hit. That sharp cheese tang that makes the perimeters of your tongue water and instantly makes you crave the subsequent chew.
Full disclosure: the Midwest was hovering round zero levels, with wind chills hitting destructive fifteen, after I took this house. Regardless of my greatest efforts, the underside cheese lace softened a bit in transit. Nonetheless good, and truthfully, nothing an air fryer couldn’t simply repair.
Midway by means of, I spotted why I hadn’t as soon as reached for the garlic dipping sauce. Papa Johns bakes the Particular Garlic Sauce immediately into the pan, together with the parmesan cheese lace, beneath the crust. I might see the lace on prime, however the garlic taste was quietly doing its factor beneath, seasoning each chew while not having an additional dip.
Papa Johns’ New and Improved Pan Pizza was dang good, and I’m impressed by how persistently Papa Johns retains delivering innovation. My solely want is the choice to swap in its new NY-style deli pepperoni within the app. If that ever occurs, this could be a no-notes pan pizza for me – however truthfully, that’s only a nice-to-have. If “2026 is the brand new 2016,” this pan pizza will get it proper this time.
Bought Value: $11.99
Measurement: Solely obtainable in medium
Ranking: 10 out of 10
Diet Information: (1 slice) 350 energy, 20 grams of fats, 8 grams of saturated fats, 40 milligrams of ldl cholesterol, 950 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 17 grams of protein.
