Papa John’s Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza Review: Decent, but Definitely Not a Calzone

Calling all cheese enthusiasts and stuffed crust aficionados! Papa John’s has launched a new culinary creation: the Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza. Intrigued by the promise of gooey ricotta and mozzarella entwined within the pizza’s borders, I, along with my fiancé (a fervent Taco pizza devotee), embarked on a taste test adventure. Did this pizza deliver a calzone-esque symphony of flavors, or was it just a catchy marketing jingle for a jazzed-up stuffed crust? Buckle up, pizza pilgrims, because we’re diving deep into this cheesy saga.

Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza Review

First impressions? We were greeted by a familiar aroma—classic Papa John’s, yeasty dough with a hint of oregano. The visual impact, however, was undeniable. The crust, puffed like a proud pastry chef, flaunted its sun-kissed golden hue, speckled with oregano and the telltale ridges of mozzarella peeking through. A generous scattering of pepperoni and sausage adorned one half, while the other shimmered with a glistening three-cheese blend. So far, so Papa John’s, so… promising?

Now comes the moment of truth—the bite. We plunged into the regular crust, our taste buds greeted by the familiar Papa John’s symphony of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and dough. Delicious? Absolutely. But calzone? Not quite. The promised ricotta, while present, was a subtle whisper rather than a bold operatic aria. It added a hint of creaminess and a whisper of garlic herb, but the mozzarella reigned supreme. Don’t get me wrong, the cheese blend was gooey, decadent, and undeniably enjoyable, but it lacked the distinct ricotta personality we were craving.

It’s decent, but let’s be clear: This isn’t a calzone

The sausage and pepperoni sang their usual savory tunes, playing harmoniously with the sweet tang of the tomato sauce. The three-cheese blend, a creamy counterpoint to the pepperoni’s spice, delivered a satisfying richness. But the star of the show, the calzone crust hopeful, remained a supporting cast member, more of a “stuffed crust plus” than a true calzone metamorphosis.

However, let’s not throw baby mozzarella with the sauce water. This pizza, as a Papa John’s creation, undoubtedly delivers. The dough is fluffy yet sturdy, the sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the toppings are generous and tasty. It’s a classic comfort food elevated by a cheesy, garlicky twist. My fiancé, ever the Taco pizza loyalist, found himself surprisingly smitten, devouring his half with gusto.

So, where does the Cheesy Calzone Epic Stuffed Crust ultimately land? It’s a delicious, cheesy, satisfying pizza that hits the spot if you’re looking for a familiar Papa John’s experience with a bonus of garlicky-cheesy goodness. But if you’re yearning for a full-blown calzone experience, with ricotta taking center stage and belting out its creamy melody, you might be left wanting more. It’s a valiant attempt at fusion, but the calzone soul within feels a bit shy, leaving the mozzarella to hold the spotlight.

My final verdict

3/5 Stars

On a side note, my dog Carl gives it 5/5 stars, but he’s never met a pizza he didn’t like, so take that with a grain of salt.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.