REVIEW: Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza

This thing had so many pepperonis on it, the pictures are playing mind tricks.

You can check out my last Papa John’s review, of the Cheesy Burger Pizza, here.

I recently picked up Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza, and it’s as large as its namesake. This pizza is a hefty 16 inches with a pile of pepperoni that’s hard to miss – it’s advertised with over 60 pepperonis, and they’re not kidding. Each slice is fully loaded, giving every bite a pepperoni punch. The crust was cooked just right for my taste, with a darker, almost charred look that I love, especially on frozen pizzas. I prefer a thin crust with a chewy texture over a crispy, cracker-like one, and the Shaq-a-Roni’s crust was spot-on for that.

This pizza is also supposed to have “extra cheese,” but honestly, the amount of cheese seemed pretty standard. It didn’t feel any cheesier than a regular pizza, though it did blend well with the pepperoni. The pepperoni is the real star here, covering each slice and adding a nice spiciness that lingers in the aftertaste. For pepperoni lovers, this definitely hits the spot.

One downside, though, is Papa John’s signature sauce. It’s just too sweet for my liking, especially with all the savory pepperoni on top. A less sweet sauce might balance the pizza better, but it’s a minor issue if you prefer sweeter tomato sauces.

Service was also quick and efficient. I ordered online for carryout and had my pizza in less than 30 seconds – no wait. Overall, the Shaq-a-Roni gets a solid 7/10 from me.

Rating: Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza 7/10

Price: $14.23 in Seattle

How many calories are in Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza

1 slice = 390 calories