One thing I’ve been obsessing over lately is Papa John’s Croissant Pizza. This unique twist on traditional pizza combines the buttery, flaky goodness of a croissant crust with all the cheesy, savory toppings we know and love. The result? A bite-sized masterpiece that’s perfect for pizza night, brunch, or even as a party appetizer.
Table of Contents
How to make Papa John’s Croissant Pizza
Papa John’s Croissant Pizza is a specialty pizza made with a flaky, buttery croissant-inspired crust. Instead of the brand’s traditional hand-tossed or thin-crust, this version is layered and baked to create a light, crisp, and airy texture that resembles a croissant.
Ingredients
For the Croissant Crust
- 1 roll of store-bought croissant dough (you can find it in the refrigerated section) or make your own croissant dough from scratch if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing the crust).
For the Sauce
- ½ cup pizza sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added flavor).
For the Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of cheeses like provolone and Parmesan for added flavor).
- Your favorite toppings (pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or any combination you prefer).
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves, Italian seasoning, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flair.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Croissant Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the croissant dough onto the prepared baking surface, gently shaping it into a circular shape that resembles a pizza base. You can pinch together the seams if the dough breaks apart while unrolling.
- Use a fork to poke small holes across the dough to prevent bubbles from forming while baking.
Step 2: Brush and Bake Your Crust (Partially)
- Lightly brush melted butter over the croissant dough for that rich, golden glaze.
- Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes in the oven—this ensures the dough starts to firm up without getting soggy from the toppings.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
- Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the partially baked crust. Don’t go overboard—croissant dough is delicate and doesn’t need too much sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously, creating a rich and cheesy foundation.
- Arrange your toppings evenly across the pizza. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the croissant crust turns golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the dough—it’s thinner than standard pizza crust, so it cooks faster.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for an extra pop of flavor. Slice into portions and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is a classic go-to, try blending it with smoked Gouda, fontina, or Parmesan for a gourmet twist.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings: Croissant dough is lighter than traditional pizza crust, so it’s best to keep your toppings balanced and not overly heavy.
- Add a Sweet Touch: If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling honey or maple syrup onto the crust edges before baking for a subtle sweet-savory combo. It’s perfect for brunch!
- Make Mini Pizzas: Instead of one large croissant pizza, divide the dough into smaller portions for individual, bite-sized pizzas—great for parties.
- Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, reheat slices at a lower temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) to keep the croissant crust from becoming too crispy or dry.
What to serve with
Papa John’s Croissant Pizza is already a star on its own, with its buttery, flaky crust and delicious toppings. But much like any great meal, pairing it with the right sides, drinks, and desserts can elevate the experience to a whole new level!
1. Fresh Garden Salad
A light, refreshing salad is the perfect balance to the richness of croissant pizza.
What you’ll need: Mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, or romaine), cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and shredded carrots.
Add-ons for flair: Crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Dressing suggestion: A zesty Italian vinaigrette or a tangy balsamic dressing works great alongside the pizza flavors.
2. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
Extend the carb heaven with cheesy garlic bread or classic breadsticks.
- Brush slices of French bread or pizza dough sticks with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden.
- Add a marinara sauce for dipping, which doubles as a great addition to the pizza itself if you like extra sauce!
3. Soup Pairings
For a cozy and comforting meal, consider serving a bowl of hot soup.
- Tomato basil soup: Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with pizza.
- Minestrone or vegetable soup: Perfect for a lighter, herbaceous side.
- Creamy mushroom soup: Complements the buttery richness of the croissant crust.
4. Roasted or Grilled Veggies
- Add healthy, hearty flavors with crisp roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Toss veggies like zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and Italian spices before baking or grilling.
5. Caprese Skewers
- For a light yet flavorful dish, serve skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a fresh and vibrant appetizer that complements your pizza perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutes
One of the joys of recreating recipes at home is the ability to tweak ingredients to match your taste, dietary preferences, or simply make do with what you have in the pantry!
1. Croissant Dough Substitute
The flaky croissant dough is the foundation of this recipe, but there are several great alternatives if croissant dough isn’t available or doesn’t meet your needs.
- Store-Bought Puff Pastry: Puff pastry offers a similar flaky texture and buttery flavor. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and follow the same baking method.
- Homemade Crescent Roll Dough: If you enjoy baking from scratch, you can make crescent roll dough using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter. Search for crescent dough recipes online—you’ll get a similar buttery, soft texture.
- Gluten-Free Dough: For those with gluten sensitivities, many grocery stores sell pre-made gluten-free pastry dough. Alternatively, you can make gluten-free crescent dough using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Phyllo Dough (for a lighter option): Phyllo dough is thinner, crispier, and less buttery than croissant dough but can make for a unique take on this pizza. Layer a few sheets of phyllo dough for a sturdier base.
2. Pizza Sauce Substitutes
If you’re not a fan of classic pizza sauce or just want to try something new, consider these alternatives:
- Pesto Sauce: Basil pesto is a fantastic option for a lighter, herbaceous flavor. Go for traditional pesto or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a bold twist.
- Alfredo Sauce or Garlic Cream Sauce: Creamy sauces like Alfredo or a garlic-infused white sauce pair wonderfully with the buttery croissant crust. They’re great for chicken or veggie-focused pizzas.
- Barbecue Sauce: Love smoky, sweet flavors? Substitute pizza sauce with barbecue sauce (especially if your toppings include grilled chicken or caramelized onions).
- Olive Oil & Garlic Mixture: Skip the sauce completely for a minimalist approach. Brush the dough with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and Italian herbs for an aromatic, rustic base.
- Salsa or Taco Sauce: For a Tex-Mex-inspired croissant pizza, use salsa or taco sauce as your base and load it up with toppings like seasoned ground beef, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
3. Cheese Substitutes
Mozzarella is the traditional go-to for pizza, but plenty of other cheeses can bring a new flavor and texture to your croissant pizza.
Cheese Alternatives
- Provolone: Mild and creamy, this is an excellent choice for an extra gooey cheese layer.
- Fontina: A buttery, slightly nutty cheese that pairs well with croissant dough.
- Cheddar: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor—great for pepperoni or barbecue pizza.
- Parmesan or Pecorino Romano: Sprinkle these aged cheeses on top for a salty, savory finish.
- Smoked Gouda: Perfect for a smoky, bold pizza flavor.
Non-Dairy Cheese Options
For a vegan alternative, opt for plant-based cheeses made from cashews, almonds, or soy. Popular brands like Violife and Daiya offer shredded “mozzarella-style” options.
- Homemade Vegan Cheese Sauce: Blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy cheese substitute.
4. Topping Substitutes
Toppings are a chance to let your creativity shine! Here are versatile options for different preferences.
Vegetarian Options
- Roasted Veggies: Swap pepperoni or sausage for roasted zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
- Artichokes: Marinated artichoke hearts add a tangy and unique flavor.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Try tofu crumbles, tempeh, or meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or Impossible sausage for a realistic meat-free topping.
Protein Alternatives
- Grilled Chicken: Perfect for pizzas with creamy sauces like Alfredo or barbecue.
- Shrimp or Salmon: For a seafood twist, use cooked shrimp or smoked salmon. Pair with light sauces like pesto or olive oil.
- Bacon Crumbles: Cooked bacon adds smoky richness and complements sweet toppings like caramelized onions.
Nut & Fruit Additions
- Add pine nuts, walnuts, or sliced almonds for crunch.
- Try fruits like pineapple (for Hawaiian-style pizza), figs, or pear slices (for a gourmet twist).
5. Butter Substitute
Croissant pizza relies on buttery goodness, but you can swap it out for lighter or vegan-friendly options.
- Plant-Based Butter
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Papa John’s Croissant Pizza lies in its versatility—it’s rich, flavorful, and comforting, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, appetizers, dips, and desserts.
More Croissant Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Croissant Crust
- 1 roll of store-bought croissant dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite toppings (pepperoni slices).
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Croissant Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll out the croissant dough onto the prepared baking surface, gently shaping it into a circular shape that resembles a pizza base. You can pinch together the seams if the dough breaks apart while unrolling.
- Use a fork to poke small holes across the dough to prevent bubbles from forming while baking.
Step 2: Brush and Bake Your Crust (Partially)
- Lightly brush melted butter over the croissant dough for that rich, golden glaze.
- Pre-bake the crust for 5-7 minutes in the oven—this ensures the dough starts to firm up without getting soggy from the toppings.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
- Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the partially baked crust. Don’t go overboard—croissant dough is delicate and doesn’t need too much sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously, creating a rich and cheesy foundation.
- Arrange your toppings evenly across the pizza. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the croissant crust turns golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the dough—it’s thinner than standard pizza crust, so it cooks faster.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for an extra pop of flavor. Slice into portions and enjoy!
