Kamil Perry
Papa John's is known for its unique approach to pizza toppings, specifically regarding the placement of cheese. While traditional pizza usually has toppings added on top of the cheese, Papa John's has been observed to do the opposite, placing toppings, including pepperoni, under the cheese layer. This practice has sparked discussions and preferences among customers, with some enjoying the taste and others missing the crispiness of toppings when buried under cheese. The method may be attributed to presentation, creating the appearance of extra cheese, or simply to stand out from other pizza franchises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for putting cheese on top | Presentation, cooking toppings better, making it look like there is extra cheese |
| Toppings that usually go on top | Pepperoni, Jalapeno, Banana pepper, Anchovies |
| Toppings that usually go under the cheese | Chicken, Sausage |
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What You'll Learn
- Papa John's is the only pizza chain that puts cheese on top of pepperoni
- Cheese on top makes it look like you're getting extra cheese, but you're not
- Putting cheese on top cooks the toppings better
- Cheese on top locks the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off issues
- Papa John's used to put pepperoni on top, but changed this
Papa John's is the only pizza chain that puts cheese on top of pepperoni
It has been observed that Papa Johns is the only pizza chain that puts cheese on top of pepperoni. This is an unusual practice, as most pizza places only place cheese on top of pepperoni if it's an extra-cheese pizza. In such cases, the standard operating procedure is to put down a layer of cheese, followed by the pepperoni, and then another layer of extra cheese. This ensures that the customer can see their extra cheese.
Some customers have expressed disappointment with this practice, stating that pepperoni belongs on top of the cheese to achieve the desired crispiness. Putting cheese on top can also make it look like you're getting extra cheese when you're not. However, others have noted that putting the toppings under the cheese can help lock them into the pizza, reducing the chances of drop-off.
There are also reports that Papa Johns used to put pepperoni on top of the cheese but changed this practice over time. Some customers have expressed a preference for the old way, stating that the pizza tasted better and smelled and looked better with the toppings on top.
Overall, while Papa Johns may be unique in its practice of putting cheese on top of pepperoni, there are mixed reviews on whether customers prefer this approach. Some appreciate the crispiness of pepperoni on top, while others find that putting the toppings under the cheese improves the taste and locks in the flavor.
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Cheese on top makes it look like you're getting extra cheese, but you're not
While there is no clear answer to why Papa John's puts cheese on top of its pizzas, one theory is that it creates the illusion of extra cheese. By placing the cheese on top, the pizza appears to have more cheese than it actually does. This tactic may be used to reduce costs and maintain a consistent amount of cheese across all pizzas, ensuring that customers receive the standard amount of cheese without exceeding it.
Some customers have noticed this illusion and shared their thoughts online. One customer from Mobile, Alabama, observed that placing cheese on top of the toppings made it seem like they were getting extra cheese, but upon closer inspection, it was just the regular amount. This practice of putting cheese on top may be unique to Papa John's, as some commenters have noted that they have not encountered it at other pizza places unless they specifically order extra cheese.
The placement of cheese on top of the toppings could also be a stylistic choice or a way to enhance the cooking process. One commenter suggested that putting cheese on top might help cook the toppings more effectively, as the cheese protects the meat from burning in the oven. Additionally, placing toppings under the cheese can help lock them into the pizza, reducing the chances of toppings falling off.
While some customers appreciate the appearance and functionality of cheese on top, others express disappointment. Some prefer their pepperoni to be crisp and browned, which is challenging to achieve when the pepperoni is placed under the cheese. Ultimately, the decision to put cheese on top may be a combination of visual appeal, cooking functionality, and portion control, creating a signature style that customers associate with Papa John's.
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Putting cheese on top cooks the toppings better
While some people dislike the taste of Papa John's pizza, others have praised the way the toppings are cooked when the cheese is placed on top.
Placing cheese on top of toppings can make it seem like you're getting extra cheese, but you're actually just getting the standard amount. This method of layering the pizza also cooks the toppings better. All the meat at Papa John's is pre-cooked, so placing cheese on top prevents it from burning. If toppings are burning, this could be due to an issue with the oven, such as improper cleaning or portioning.
In general, placing toppings under the cheese can help lock them into the pizza and prevent them from falling off. However, some toppings, like pepperoni, are preferred by customers on top of the cheese so that they can get crispy. In the case of pepperoni, placing it under the cheese can prevent it from crisping up and getting those browned, crispy edges that many people enjoy.
Placing toppings on top of the cheese can also be a matter of presentation and visual appeal. A pizza with toppings visible on top may look more appealing to customers. Additionally, it allows customers to see that they are getting the amount of cheese they ordered.
While some Papa John's locations always place toppings under the cheese, there are exceptions. For example, in Eastern Canada, toppings are typically placed under the cheese unless it's a single-topping pizza with pepperoni, jalapeños, banana peppers, or anchovies, in which case the toppings go on top.
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Cheese on top locks the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off issues
While there are no official sources explaining why Papa John's puts cheese on top of its pepperoni, some sources speculate that it is to lock the pepperoni into the pizza, reducing drop-off issues. This means that the cheese acts as a glue to keep the pepperoni in place, preventing it from sliding off the pizza.
One source mentions that Papa John's puts cheese on top of pepperoni as a standard operating procedure only if it is an extra-cheese pizza. This procedure involves layering the pizza with cheese, toppings, and then extra cheese, ensuring that the customer can see and taste the extra cheese they ordered. However, other sources claim that Papa John's puts the cheese on top of the pepperoni to make it look like there is extra cheese on the pizza, when in reality, it is just the normal amount.
Some customers have expressed their disappointment with this practice, stating that they prefer their pepperoni on top of the cheese to achieve those crispy, browned edges. They argue that putting the pepperoni under the cheese sacrifices the desired texture and appearance of the pepperoni.
In terms of food safety, placing the cheese on top of the pepperoni can also help prevent the meat from burning during the cooking process. Since all the meat at Papa John's is pre-cooked, the cheese layer protects the toppings from burning, ensuring that the pizza is cooked evenly.
While some Papa John's customers appreciate the unique taste and texture that comes with the cheese-on-top approach, others prefer the traditional presentation of pepperoni pizza, with the pepperoni slices visible and crispy. Ultimately, the decision to put cheese on top of pepperoni may be a combination of presentation, cooking functionality, and customer preference.
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Papa John's used to put pepperoni on top, but changed this
Papa John's puts cheese on top of its pizzas to make them look more appealing. The cheese covers the toppings, giving the impression of a more generous serving. This presentation style is likely a marketing tactic to make customers think they are getting more cheese than they are.
Interestingly, Papa Johns used to put pepperoni on top of their pizzas, but they changed this practice. This change has sparked debate among customers, with some preferring the old way and others finding the new arrangement tasty. Some customers in Eastern Canada and Washington, D.C., have reported that their local Papa John's stores always placed toppings under the cheese, even pepperoni. However, others claim that Papa Johns used to put pepperoni on top and that they enjoyed it that way.
The reason for Papa John's decision to place toppings, including pepperoni, under the cheese may be purely aesthetic. A pizza with toppings under the cheese can appear more generously topped, especially if extra cheese is ordered. Additionally, putting pepperoni under the cheese can prevent it from burning and create a more cohesive final product.
While some customers enjoy the crispiness of pepperoni placed on top of the cheese, others argue that putting pepperoni under the cheese locks it in place and prevents it from falling off. Ultimately, the decision to place toppings under or over the cheese may come down to individual preferences, with some customers even requesting specific arrangements to suit their tastes.
The controversy over Papa John's topping placement highlights the strong feelings people have about their pizza. While some customers may never get over the change, others have come to prefer the new arrangement.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting cheese on top of the toppings makes it look like customers are getting extra cheese, when in reality they are getting the normal amount.
Yes, Papa John's puts pepperoni, jalapeño, banana pepper, and anchovy toppings on top of the cheese.
Presentation may be one reason. A pepperoni pizza with pepperoni on top just looks right.
Yes, putting pepperoni under the cheese can cause it to crisp up and get those browned crispy edges, which some people prefer.
