Insider Secrets To Make Your Papa Johns Order Bursting With Garlic Goodness
If you love garlic as much as I do, then Papa Johns is your pizza paradise. That famous garlic sauce has fans everywhere, and I’m about to share some amazing tricks to maximize the garlicky flavor in every single order.
Whether you’re a casual pizza lover or a true garlic enthusiast, these insider secrets will transform your next Papa Johns experience into something truly special.
1. Request Extra Garlic Sauce Cups For Free
Did you know most Papa Johns locations will gladly give you additional garlic sauce cups if you simply ask? When placing your order, I always request at least two extra cups per pizza, and most stores happily oblige without charging extra. The staff understands that garlic sauce is what makes their pizza special.
Some locations might charge a small fee, but many don’t. It never hurts to ask politely when ordering online or over the phone. You can even mention it in the special instructions box.
Having extra cups means you can drizzle garlic goodness on every single slice without running out halfway through your meal. Trust me, nothing’s worse than rationing that liquid gold during your last few slices.
2. Order The Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
These breadsticks are basically garlic delivery vehicles disguised as a side item. When you bite into one, the buttery garlic coating mixed with parmesan creates an explosion of flavor that perfectly complements your pizza. I order these every single time because they’re baked with generous amounts of garlic butter.
The best part? You get another garlic sauce cup specifically for dipping these beauties. That means more garlic sauce for your entire meal, not just your pizza slices.
Try tearing them apart and using them to scoop up extra garlic sauce from your pizza box. It’s like having garlic bread and pizza sauce all in one delicious experience that multiplies your garlic intake significantly.
3. Ask For Garlic Butter On Your Crust
Here’s a trick many customers don’t know about. When ordering, you can request that the kitchen brush your pizza crust with extra garlic butter before baking. This creates a golden, crispy edge that’s loaded with garlicky flavor from the moment it comes out of the oven.
Some locations call this a garlic crust or butter crust option. If you don’t see it on the menu, just ask in the special instructions section when ordering online.
The garlic butter soaks into the dough while baking, giving you aromatic, flavorful crust that doesn’t need dipping. However, I still dip mine in garlic sauce anyway because you can never have too much garlic goodness on your pizza.
4. Try The Garlic Knots When Available
Though not available at every location, garlic knots are an absolute game-changer when you can get them. These twisted dough balls are tossed in garlic butter and Italian seasonings, creating bite-sized pockets of pure garlic heaven. I hunt for locations that offer them because they’re worth the extra effort.
They come with marinara sauce for dipping, but I always add garlic sauce too. The combination of tangy marinara and creamy garlic sauce creates a flavor profile that’s simply unbeatable.
Call your local Papa Johns ahead of time to see if they carry garlic knots. If they do, order a double batch because these disappear faster than regular breadsticks at any gathering.
5. Double Up On The Special Garlic Dipping Sauce
When ordering online, I always add extra special garlic sauce to my cart before checking out. This ensures I get charged for additional cups, but I’m guaranteed to have plenty for my entire meal. The price is usually very reasonable, around fifty cents per cup depending on location.
Having multiple cups means everyone at your pizza party gets their own personal garlic sauce. No more sharing or double-dipping drama at the dinner table.
Store extra unopened cups in your refrigerator for up to a week. I’ve used leftover garlic sauce on homemade breadsticks, pasta, and even as a salad dressing base. It’s incredibly versatile beyond just pizza dipping.
6. Request Roasted Garlic As A Pizza Topping
Are you ready for a real garlic lover’s secret? You can actually add roasted garlic as a topping to your pizza at most Papa Johns locations. The roasted cloves become sweet and mellow during baking, adding depth and complexity to your pizza’s flavor profile. I discovered this by accident when asking about vegetable toppings.
The roasted garlic distributes evenly across your pizza, giving you little bursts of soft, caramelized garlic in every bite. It’s completely different from raw garlic and won’t overpower other toppings.
Combine roasted garlic topping with garlic sauce for dipping, and you’ve created the ultimate double-garlic experience. Your pizza becomes a garlic lover’s dream come true with layers of flavor.
7. Mix Garlic Sauce With Ranch For Ultimate Dip
This combination might sound unusual, but it’s absolutely incredible. When you mix equal parts garlic sauce and ranch dressing, you create a creamy, garlicky dip that’s perfect for pizza crusts, breadsticks, and even chicken wings. I stumbled upon this hack during a late-night pizza session and never looked back.
The ranch adds a cooling, tangy element that balances the rich garlic butter. It also gives the sauce more body and makes it easier to spread across your pizza slices.
Order a side of ranch specifically for this purpose. Some Papa Johns locations offer ranch cups for free with certain orders, so take advantage of that. Your taste buds will thank you for this simple yet transformative mixing trick.
8. Order The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
If you want garlic in every part of your meal, these chicken bites are essential. They’re breaded chicken pieces tossed in the same garlic parmesan seasoning used on the breadsticks, creating a savory side that’s packed with flavor. I order these alongside my pizza for a complete garlic-themed feast.
Each bite comes pre-seasoned, but I still dip them in extra garlic sauce. The combination of crispy breading, tender chicken, and creamy garlic sauce is absolutely addictive.
These work great as appetizers before your pizza arrives or as leftovers the next day. Heat them up and add fresh garlic sauce for a quick snack that satisfies your garlic cravings between meals.
9. Ask For Extra Seasoning Packets
Most people overlook the free seasoning packets that come with Papa Johns orders. These contain garlic, herbs, and spices that you can sprinkle directly on your pizza for extra flavor. I always request additional packets because they’re free and add another layer of garlic goodness to every slice.
Sprinkle the seasoning on your pizza right before eating, or mix it into your garlic sauce for an enhanced dipping experience. The dried garlic in the seasoning reactivates when mixed with the buttery sauce.
Save extra packets in your pantry for homemade pizza nights. They work wonderfully on garlic bread, pasta dishes, and roasted vegetables. It’s like taking Papa Johns flavor home with you for future cooking adventures.
10. Try The Garlic Sauce On Your Wings Too
While wings usually come with buffalo or BBQ sauce, the garlic sauce works incredibly well on them too. I always order wings specifically to use with my extra garlic sauce cups because the combination is phenomenal. The buttery garlic complements the crispy wing skin perfectly.
You can even ask for your wings to be tossed in garlic parmesan seasoning instead of traditional sauces. This creates a flavor similar to the chicken bites but with actual wing meat and bones.
Mix garlic sauce with hot sauce for a spicy garlic wing experience. The ratio is up to you, but I prefer equal parts for balanced heat and garlic flavor that doesn’t overwhelm your palate.
11. Order During Promotions For More Sides
Papa Johns frequently runs promotions that include free or discounted sides with pizza purchases. I always watch for these deals because they’re perfect opportunities to load up on garlic breadsticks, knots, and extra sauce cups without spending much money. Sign up for their email list to get notifications.
When promotions offer free sides, always choose the garlic-based options. This maximizes your garlic intake while saving money on your overall order.
Combine promotional deals with your extra garlic sauce requests for the ultimate value. You’ll end up with a feast of garlicky items at a fraction of the regular price. Check their app regularly for exclusive mobile-only deals too.
12. Save And Reheat Garlic Sauce Properly
If you end up with leftover garlic sauce cups, don’t throw them away. I store mine in the refrigerator with the lids tightly sealed, and they stay fresh for about a week. When you’re ready to use them again, let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes or microwave for five seconds.
Cold garlic sauce becomes thick and hard to spread, but gentle warming brings back that smooth, pourable consistency. Never overheat it, or the butter will separate and become oily.
Use leftover garlic sauce on toast, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta. It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that extends your Papa Johns experience well beyond pizza night. I’ve even brushed it on corn on the cob.
13. Create Your Own Garlic Pizza At Home
Once you’ve mastered ordering garlic-packed Papa Johns pizzas, why not recreate the experience at home? I buy their garlic sauce in bulk when available or make a copycat version using melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush this on homemade pizza dough before adding toppings.
Add fresh minced garlic to your pizza sauce for another layer of flavor. Top with roasted garlic cloves and finish with a garlic butter crust brushing before baking.
When your homemade pizza comes out of the oven, serve it with Papa Johns garlic sauce that you’ve saved from previous orders. This way, you can enjoy that signature flavor anytime you want without ordering delivery.
