What Is Papa John’s Special Seasoning? Answered

Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Papa John’s is a top choice for pizza lovers because they use **fresh ingredients** and make **tasty pizzas**. A neat fact about Papa John’s is their **unique seasoning blend**.

This seasoning is a blend of spices that gives the pizza a unique flavor profile, which many Papa John’s fans love. 

Our team sat down one time and took a closer look at what exactly Papa John’s special seasoning is, how it’s used, and where you can find it. 

About Papa John’s Special Seasoning

Papa John’s special seasoning is a unique blend of spices that gives its pizzas a distinct flavor. The seasoning combines garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and other herbs and spices. 

The specific recipe for the seasoning is a closely guarded secret, known only to Papa John’s chefs and executives. 

The seasoning adds depth and complexity to the pizza’s flavor profile, and it is one of the key ingredients that sets Papa John’s pizzas apart from other pizza [1] chains. 

Read: Is Creole Seasoning The Same As Old Bay?

Copycat Recipe For Papa John’s Special Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
2. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container until ready to use.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over your pizza before baking, or add it to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.

While this recipe may not be precisely like Papa John’s special seasoning, it should still provide a similar flavor profile and enhance the taste of your homemade pizzas.

How Is It Used?

1. Sprinkled on the pizza crust: One of the most common ways that Papa John’s special seasoning is used is by sprinkling it on the pizza crust before it’s baked. This adds flavor and aroma to the crust and helps to create a more delicious and well-rounded pizza.
2. Mixed into the tomato sauce: Papa John’s special seasoning can be used by adding it to the tomato sauce to top the pizza. This allows the seasoning to infuse the entire pizza with its delicious flavor, creating a more cohesive and flavorful pizza.
3. Used as a seasoning for other dishes: While Papa John’s special seasoning is primarily used for pizzas, it can also add flavor to various other dishes. For example, it can season chicken, vegetables, or potatoes, creating a delicious and flavorful side dish.
4. Sprinkled on garlic knots or breadsticks: In addition to being used on pizzas, Papa John’s special seasoning can also be sprinkled on garlic knots or breadsticks to add flavor and depth to these popular appetizers.

“I make amazing fried chicken. The secret is taco seasoning.”

– Tituss Burgess, American Actor

Can You Buy Papa John’s Special Seasoning?

Unfortunately, Papa John’s special seasoning is not available for purchase. The recipe for the seasoning is a closely guarded secret and is only used by Papa John’s chefs and executives in their restaurants. 

However, many copycat recipes available online claim to be similar to Papa John’s special seasoning. These can add a similar flavor to homemade pizzas and other dishes. 

While these copycat recipes may not be the same as the original, they can still provide a delicious and flavorful addition to your cooking.

Are There Any Alternatives To Papa John’s Special Seasoning?

1. Italian seasoning blend: This is a blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with garlic and onion powder. It is an excellent substitute for Papa John’s special seasoning and can be used similarly.
2. Garlic salt: This blend of salt and garlic powder can be used to add a delicious garlic flavor to your pizzas. It can be used in place of Papa John’s special seasoning or with other spices.
3. Pizza seasoning blend: Many grocery stores sell pizza seasoning blends explicitly designed for pizzas. These blends typically include a mix of herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and oregano and can be a great alternative to Papa John’s special seasoning.
4. Homemade seasoning blends: If you can’t find a store-bought seasoning blend that you like, you can always make your own. Start with a base of salt and garlic powder, then add other herbs and spices like basil, oregano [2], and paprika to create a custom seasoning blend tailored to your taste.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Papa John’s special seasoning is a proprietary blend of spices that adds delicious flavor to its pizzas.

While the recipe for the seasoning is a closely guarded secret, it typically includes a blend of herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. 

The seasoning adds depth and complexity to the pizza’s flavor profile and is a crucial ingredient that sets Papa John’s pizzas apart from other pizza chains. 

While you can’t buy Papa John’s special seasoning, many copycat recipes that claim to be similar to the original are available online. 

There are also several alternatives that you can use to add delicious flavor to your homemade pizzas and other dishes. 

References:

1. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pizza-margherita-4-easy-steps
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-644/oregano