An exclusive tasting of the new Papa Johns Pan Pizza was held in New York City at the VIP First Bite Experience at FlyFish NYC, bringing together journalists, influencers, and content creators to sample the highly anticipated menu item.
The Knockturnal was also invited to cover the event and get a first-hand look at what makes this pizza different. Guests were able to watch the pizzas being crafted, learn about the inspiration behind the recipe, and experience the textures and flavors that Papa Johns has been refining for nearly a decade. The atmosphere was lively, with attendees sharing their reactions, taking photos, and getting a sense of the thought and care that went into every layer of the pizza.
Starting Thursday, January 29, fans nationwide will be able to enjoy the new Pan Pizza, which combines crispy, caramelized edges with a pillowy, airy center and a rich six-cheese blend. Jenna Bromberg, Chief Marketing Officer of Papa Johns, explained that the relaunch is the result of nearly ten years of development. She said the brand took a consumer-focused approach, making sure every detail of the pizza met high expectations for flavor and quality. Bromberg added that this is more than just a menu item returning as it is a reimagined pan pizza that honors its nostalgic roots while delivering a bolder, more indulgent experience that feels distinctly Papa Johns.
The new Pan Pizza is built to deliver a rich and satisfying experience from crust to topping. The thick, fluffy crust has an airy interior, and parmesan cheese and Papa Johns’ special garlic sauce are baked into the bottom of the pan for a golden, caramelized finish with a savory, crispy crunch. The pizza is topped with a six-cheese blend made from mozzarella, provolone, fontina, asiago, parmesan, and romano. It is designed to hold up to seven edge-to-edge toppings and finished with a light dusting of Italian seasoning. The pizza contains no artificial colors or flavors, letting the natural richness of the ingredients shine.
In a mini review, I think the Pan Pizza tastes noticeably different from the usual Papa Johns offerings. The combo of caramelized edges, airy interior, and indulgent cheese makes it feel like I am eating a Detroit-styled pizza and that is a good thing in my opinio n. It is richer and bolder than expected, with a flavor and texture that is very satisfying. The relaunch shows that even a classic pizza can evolve to meet modern tastes while staying true to the nostalgia fans love, making this Pan Pizza a must-try for anyone looking for something familiar yet new.