Papa John’s New Pan Pizza vs. Domino’s: The Definitive 2026 Taste Test
Papa John’s Pan Pizza
The garlic butter bottom is the real innovation here. The crust gets genuinely crispy, not just “less soft,” but actually crunchy in a way delivery pizza rarely achieves. The caramelized cheese edge is the move. It’s not Buddy’s in Detroit, but it doesn’t pretend to be. For a national chain, this is impressive.
Toppings sit well. The cheese-to-sauce ratio leans cheesy, which we like. The crust doesn’t get soggy during delivery if you eat within 20 minutes of arrival. After 30 minutes, it softens, eat fast.
Domino’s Pan Pizza
Softer, more bread-like, and less distinctive. Domino’s pan pizza is comfortable and reliable but doesn’t have a personality. The crust is good but forgettable. The cheese doesn’t caramelize. It’s fine.
The Verdict
Papa Johns wins, clearly. The garlic butter bottom and caramelized edge are real differentiators. This is the best thing Papa Johns has released in several years and it legitimately competes with local pizza spots that charge twice the price. If you’re a Domino’s person, this is worth a one-time defection. You’ll probably stay.
Also: Papa Johns has three new oven-toasted sandwiches (Philly cheesesteak, chicken bacon ranch, steak and mushroom) that are solid secondary options if pizza isn’t your thing today.
