
Papa John's is a pizza franchise with a cult following. However, some customers have noticed that the restaurant sometimes puts pepperoni under the cheese. This practice has sparked debate among pizza enthusiasts, with some preferring their pepperoni on top to achieve crisp edges and others appreciating the novelty of finding hidden pepperoni under the cheese. While some speculate that it is done for presentation or to make the pizza appear extra cheesy, others suggest it is a standard procedure for pizzas with multiple toppings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Customer preference | Mixed reviews, some customers dislike it, others prefer it |
| Reasons for preference | Appearance, crispness, better cooking of toppings, less drop off |
| Reasons for dislike | Appearance, crispness, pepperoni is hidden |
| Papa John's policy | Varies, sometimes pepperoni is placed under cheese, sometimes on top |
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What You'll Learn
- Papa John's is the only place that puts pepperoni under cheese
- Customers dislike the lack of crispness and burnt edges
- It is done for presentation and to make it look like extra cheese
- It locks the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off
- It is standard procedure to put cheese on top of pepperoni for extra-cheese pizzas

Papa John's is the only place that puts pepperoni under cheese
It has been observed that Papa Johns has a habit of sometimes putting pepperoni under the cheese. While some customers dislike this, others enjoy the surprise of finding the pepperoni hidden under the cheese. It is believed that this practice may be due to presentation, as putting toppings under the cheese can make it look like the pizza has extra cheese. Additionally, it can cook the toppings better and prevent them from burning.
Standard operating procedure in most pizza places is to place cheese on top of pepperoni unless it's an extra-cheese pizza. However, Papa Johns has been known to put pepperoni under the cheese, regardless of whether it's a single-topping pizza or has multiple toppings. This practice seems to be unique to Papa Johns, with some customers noting that they have not seen it done at other pizza places.
In recent years, Papa Johns has introduced a new pizza called the Crispy Parm Pizza, which features a layer of cheese baked under the crust. This innovation showcases the company's dedication to experimenting with new ideas and providing customers with a unique cheese experience.
While Papa Johns is known for its unique approach to topping placement, it's important to note that customer preferences vary. Some customers prefer their pepperoni on top, especially if they want it crispy. To accommodate these preferences, Papa Johns allows customers to specify their desired topping placement when placing an order.
Overall, Papa Johns' practice of sometimes putting pepperoni under the cheese is a distinctive feature of their pizzas. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it offers a different experience from other pizza places and can even prevent toppings from burning.
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Customers dislike the lack of crispness and burnt edges
Customers have expressed disappointment with Papa John's pizza, citing a lack of crispness and burnt edges. The issue seems to stem from the placement of pepperoni under the cheese, resulting in soggy and unappetizing pepperoni pieces. This practice is uncommon among other pizza places, where the standard procedure is to place pepperoni on top of the cheese to achieve the desired crispness and browned edges.
In response to this issue, some customers have taken to calling their local Papa John's stores to request that their pepperoni be placed on top of the cheese. While this approach has worked for some, it requires the store to cancel or change the original order, which can be inconvenient for both the customer and the store.
The placement of pepperoni under the cheese can also lead to a perception of scantiness, as the pepperoni may be hidden from view, giving the impression of a cheese pizza with a sparse topping distribution. This can be off-putting to customers who expect a more generous amount of pepperoni on their pizza.
To address this issue, Papa John's could consider altering their pizza preparation methods. One suggestion is to place the pepperoni on top of the cheese, at least for pizzas with a single topping. This approach would ensure that the pepperoni achieves the desired crispness and browned edges, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the pizza.
Additionally, Papa John's could introduce a new pizza variety that showcases the unique flavor and texture combinations that can be achieved by placing toppings under the cheese. By experimenting with different ingredients and cooking techniques, Papa John's could potentially discover innovative and appealing pizza creations that surprise and delight their customers.
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It is done for presentation and to make it look like extra cheese
Some customers have observed that Papa Johns has a habit of sometimes putting pepperoni under the cheese. While some people don't seem to like it, others are indifferent to it.
A possible reason for putting the pepperoni under the cheese could be for presentation. A pizza with toppings under the cheese can make it look like there is extra cheese on the pizza. This is a common tactic used by pizza places to make it seem like customers are getting more cheese than they actually are. Since it is difficult to see the pepperoni under the cheese, it could be a way to make the pizza look like it has more cheese, improving its presentation.
In addition, Papa Johns has also innovated with the placement of cheese in their pizzas. For example, their Crispy Parm Pizza has a layer of cheese baked under the crust, creating an extra-crisp exterior with a pumped-up cheese flavor. This shows that the company is willing to experiment with the placement of cheese in their pizzas to create new flavors and textures.
Therefore, it is possible that putting pepperoni under the cheese could be a similar attempt at innovation and improving the presentation of the pizza. By placing the pepperoni under the cheese, it creates the illusion of extra cheese, making the pizza look more appealing to customers. This tactic is especially useful when there is not enough pepperoni, as the cheese can make up for the lack of toppings and improve the overall appearance of the pizza.
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It locks the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off
While some people dislike Papa John's putting pepperoni under the cheese, others are indifferent or even enjoy it. Those who dislike it often attribute their preference to the lack of crispness in the pepperoni when it's under the cheese. However, one advantage of placing pepperoni under the cheese is that it locks the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off issues. This means that you're less likely to have pepperoni sliding off your pizza when you take a bite or pick it up.
The practice of putting toppings under the cheese is not unique to Papa John's, and some pizza places will put cheese on top of pepperoni if it's an extra-cheese pizza. This is done to ensure that the customer can see their extra cheese. In addition, putting toppings under the cheese can create the illusion of extra cheese, even if the amount of cheese is standard.
Some people who dislike pepperoni under the cheese at Papa John's have found ways to ensure their pizza is made the way they prefer. For example, one customer started calling their local Papa John's after placing an online order to request that the pepperoni be placed on top. The manager eventually offered them a 50% discount on their pizzas if they called in their orders.
While the practice of putting pepperoni under the cheese may be off-putting to some, it does offer the benefit of reducing drop-off issues. Ultimately, customer preferences vary, and some may even prefer the taste and texture of pepperoni when it's baked under the cheese.
To ensure customer satisfaction, it's important for pizza places to clearly communicate their standard practices regarding topping placement. This can help manage customer expectations and reduce the likelihood of disappointment. Additionally, offering customization options can cater to a wider range of preferences.
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It is standard procedure to put cheese on top of pepperoni for extra-cheese pizzas
It is standard procedure in pizza places to put cheese on top of pepperoni if it's an extra-cheese pizza. This is done so that you are not left with a huge layer of cheese underneath the toppings, and so that the customer can see their extra cheese. This is also done for presentation, as a pepperoni pizza with pepperoni on top just looks right.
However, some pizza places, like Papa Johns, have been known to put the pepperoni under the cheese. Some customers have expressed disappointment in this method, as they prefer the pepperoni to be crisp and browned, which cannot be achieved if the pepperoni is under the cheese. It also makes it difficult to determine the amount of pepperoni on the pizza.
To ensure that the pepperoni is crisp and visible, it is recommended to place it on top of the cheese. This is especially important if there are multiple toppings on the pizza, as putting the pepperoni under the cheese may make it difficult to find.
Papa Johns has acknowledged the preference for pepperoni to be placed on top and has offered discounts to customers who request this option. While it may be standard procedure to put cheese on top of pepperoni for extra-cheese pizzas, it is important to consider customer preferences and make adjustments when necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Papa John's has been known to put pepperoni under cheese, but it is not standard practice. It depends on the location and the number of toppings on the pizza.
There could be a few reasons why Papa John's puts pepperoni under cheese. One reason could be to lock the pepperoni into the pizza and prevent drop-off issues. Another reason could be to give the illusion of extra cheese.
Yes, you can request that Papa John's put pepperoni under cheese on your pizza. However, they may have to cancel or change your order and rebuild it, and this is not a standard option at all locations.

























