Papa John’s The Works Pizza Copycat Recipe for Home Cooks

on

Copycat Papa John’s The Works® Pizza (Easy Homemade Recipe)

If you love a loaded pizza with *everything* on it, this homemade copycat Papa John’s The Works® pizza is going to be your new Friday night favorite. It has that chewy, soft crust, tangy tomato sauce, stretchy melted cheese, savory pepperoni, crumbled sausage, and a colorful mix of veggies — all baked together until the edges are golden and the kitchen smells like your favorite takeout spot. This version is designed for the home cook: familiar ingredients, simple steps, and no special pizza oven required.

A Quick Background: Papa John’s & The Works® Pizza

Papa John’s is one of the most well-known pizza chains in the USA. They’re famous for their soft, slightly sweet crust, bright tomato sauce, and that little cup of garlic butter that makes the whole house smell amazing. The Works® is their “everything” style pizza. It’s loaded with:
  • Pepperoni
  • Italian sausage
  • Onions
  • Green peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Black olives
  • Plenty of melty cheese
The first bite is salty from the meats, a little sweet and tangy from the sauce, and packed with texture from the tender veggies and chewy crust. It hits all the senses — bubbling cheese, sizzling edges, and that rich, savory aroma when you pull it from the oven. Important note: The Works® is a registered menu item of Papa John’s [Yes]. This recipe is a homemade copycat-style version inspired by the flavors and toppings, not the official restaurant recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat The Works® Pizza

  • Easy dough: Simple pantry ingredients and no special mixer needed.
  • Weeknight-friendly: Dough rises in about an hour; toppings are straightforward.
  • Customizable: Adjust toppings to fit your family’s tastes.
  • Cheaper than delivery: Feeds a crowd for less than a takeout order.
Honestly, the first time I tested this recipe, my family went quiet at the table — the “good” kind of quiet. The “I’m too busy eating” quiet. That’s when I knew it was ready to share.

Ingredients for Copycat Papa John’s The Works® Pizza

Homemade copycat Papa John’s The Works pizza topped with pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives, and melted mozzarella cheese on a golden crust
This copycat Papa John’s The Works® pizza is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and melty cheese on a soft, chewy crust—perfect for easy homemade pizza night

Yield: 1 large pizza (about 14 inches), serves 3–4 people
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rise time)
Active prep time: ~30 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes

For the Pizza Dough

For the Copycat Pizza Sauce

For the Toppings (The “Works” Layer)

  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but tasty)
  • 15–18 slices pepperoni (about 2–2.5 ounces)
  • ½ pound mild Italian sausage, casing removed (or bulk sausage)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives (canned, drained)

Optional “Garlic Butter Crust” Finish

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy on top. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be dead or the water too hot/cold — start again for best results.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
4. Add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour.
5. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add small amounts of flour only if it’s very sticky.
7. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough inside, turning once to coat.
8. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. While the dough rises, stir together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — more sugar for sweetness, more salt for savory depth.
3. Set aside. No cooking needed; it will cook in the oven on the pizza.

3. Prep the Toppings Safely

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, until it is browned and reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Drain any excess grease and let cool slightly.
3. Slice the onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and olives. Pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel so they don’t release too much moisture on the pizza.
4. Shred the mozzarella if not pre-shredded.

4. Shape the Pizza Crust

1. Lightly oil a pizza pan or large baking sheet. You can also sprinkle a little cornmeal for extra texture, if you like.
2. Punch down the risen dough to release extra air.
3. Place the dough on the prepared pan and use your hands to press and stretch it into a circle about 14 inches across. Work from the center out, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
4. If the dough keeps snapping back, let it rest for 5 minutes, then continue stretching.

5. Assemble The Works-Style Pizza

1. Spread a thin, even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a ½–1 inch border for the crust. You may not need all the sauce; use enough to lightly cover.
2. Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
3. Layer on the toppings:
  • Evenly scatter the cooked sausage crumbles.
  • Add pepperoni slices.
  • Top with onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and black olives.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top.

6. Bake

1. Place the pizza in the preheated 475°F oven.
2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:
  • The crust is golden brown
  • The cheese is melted and bubbly
  • The bottom of the crust is lightly browned (you can peek with a spatula)
3. If using a pizza stone, gently slide the pizza onto the stone to bake.

7. Add the Garlic Butter Crust (Optional but Delicious)

1. While the pizza bakes, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
2. As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, brush the crust edges with the garlic butter mixture.
3. Let the pizza rest 3–5 minutes before slicing, so the cheese settles slightly. Slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.

Food Safety Tips

  • Cook sausage to at least 160°F internal temperature before adding to the pizza.
  • Refrigerate leftover pizza within 2 hours of baking.
  • Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F before eating.
  • Wash cutting boards and knives after working with raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 of the pizza) Approximate macros (will vary based on exact brands and amounts):
  • Calories: ~320–360
  • Protein: ~15–18 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~32–36 g
  • Fat: ~14–17 g
  • Fiber: ~2–3 g
  • Sodium: Moderate to high (mostly from cheese, sauce, sausage, and pepperoni)
If you’re tracking macros closely, plug your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator for more precise numbers.

Time-Saving & Easy Home Kitchen Shortcuts

Want that Papa John’s The Works® style flavor but with less prep? Here are some shortcuts:
  • Use store-bought dough: Grab a ball of pizza dough from the grocery store bakery or refrigerated section. Let it sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before shaping.
  • Jarred sauce: Use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. Add a pinch of oregano, basil, garlic powder, and sugar to get closer to the flavor profile.
  • Pre-sliced veggies: Check the produce section for pre-cut peppers and onions.
  • Pre-cooked sausage crumbles: Some brands sell fully cooked Italian sausage crumbles in the freezer section — a huge time-saver.

Air Fryer Mini “Works” Pizzas

Don’t want to heat the whole oven?
  • Use small rounds of pizza dough, naan, or even thick pita breads.
  • Add sauce, cheese, and toppings.
  • Air-fry at 375°F for about 6–9 minutes, checking often, until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.
It’s a fun option for individual pizzas or quick lunches.

Allergy-Friendly & Special Diet Swaps

Everyone should get a slice, right? Here are ways to adjust this copycat The Works® pizza for common dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Option

  • Use a gluten-free pizza crust (homemade or store-bought).
  • Double-check that your sausage, pepperoni, and sauce are labeled gluten-free (some brands add wheat-containing fillers).

Dairy-Free Option

  • Use a dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese alternative that melts well.
  • Skip the Parmesan or choose a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
  • Brush the crust with olive oil and garlic powder instead of butter for the finish.

Vegan Option

  • Use vegan pizza dough (this recipe already is — just be sure your sugar is vegan if needed).
  • Swap in plant-based sausage crumbles and vegan pepperoni.
  • Use vegan mozzarella cheese.
  • Load up extra veggies (onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, spinach) for more flavor and texture.

Paleo-Inspired / Low-Grain Twist

This won’t be a perfect match for The Works®, but you can borrow the topping flavors:
  • Use a cauliflower crust or other grain-free crust base.
  • Skip the pepperoni if avoiding certain cured meats, and use clean-ingredient sausage if possible.
  • Lighten up on the cheese or use a paleo-friendly cheese alternative.
Always check labels if you have severe allergies or medical dietary needs.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips

  • Serving: Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing so the toppings stay put.
  • Storing: Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheating: For best texture, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid for 5–7 minutes, or in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp instead of soggy.

Let’s Talk Pizza! Share & Comment

Do you pile your pizza high with toppings, or do you like things simple? If you try this copycat Papa John’s The Works® pizza, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you:
  • Did you tweak the toppings?
  • Did you make it gluten-free or dairy-free?
  • Did your family think it tasted like delivery night?
Drop a comment with your tips and variations, and feel free to share this recipe with a friend who always volunteers to order the pizza. The more home pizza nights, the better.

Important Disclaimers

Copycat Recipe Disclaimer: This recipe is an independent, copycat-style interpretation of Papa John’s The Works® pizza. It is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, or sponsored by Papa John’s or any of its subsidiaries. All trademarks, including The Works®, belong to their respective owners. No knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe, methods, or ingredients is implied or claimed — this recipe is based solely on public information, personal tasting, and home-kitchen testing.

Affiliate Disclosure: Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that if you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely find useful for home cooking.

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment