Papa Johns launches new ‘200-hour’ sourdough pizza vary after 2-year growth
After two years of development, Papa Johns unveils The Sourdough Range featuring 200-hour fermented dough with real sourdough culture, premium Italian ingredients and new menu items including sourdough dippers
It looks so good
Following a two-year development process, over 50 recipe tweaks, and a tireless pursuit of the perfect bite, Papa Johns is launching The Sourdough Range, a new menu that brings artisanal-style, slow-crafted pizzas to the masses.
As the UK’s demand for high-quality, handcrafted pizzas continues to rise, Papa Johns is responding with a range that puts the dough at the forefront. While the brand’s classic Italian-style pizzas remain the top choice (33%), a significant proportion (27%) of Brits now prefer sourdough or hand-stretched bases. From the first bite, customers can expect a light, airy texture, a subtle fermented tang, and a crisp, golden crust that strikes the perfect balance of chew.
However, achieving this was no easy task. Behind the scenes, Papa Johns went to great lengths to develop the perfect sourdough, identifying the ideal blend of starter cultures and refining the flavour and texture. Through their commitment to quality, each pizza undergoes a 200-hour fermentation process using real sourdough culture, creating a base that is both authentic and delicious.
This is not just any sourdough, though. Every Papa Johns Sourdough pizza is crafted using a genuine, aged sourdough culture, matured over weeks and fermented for up to 11 days – without additives or artificial leavening agents. Slow-speed mixing and careful ageing allow the flavour and texture to develop naturally, delivering both quality and consistency on a large scale.
New Pizza Range:
The Pepper & Pepperoncini – a vibrant combination of vine-ripened tomato sauce, crunchy green peppers, sliced pepperoncini, white onion, and creamy Fior di Latte mozzarella, finished with a sprinkle of oregano.
The Salami & N’duja – a hearty, bold combination of Italian fennel salami, spicy ‘nduja, and Fior di Latte on our signature sourdough base.
The Chicken & Pesto – a rich white garlic base topped with succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, white onion, and Fior di Latte, finished with a zesty pesto drizzle.
Sourdough Dippers – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these golden dippers are perfect for those who can’t get enough of our signature dough.
Papa Johns is also introducing a new range of dips, including Calabrian Hot Honey, Garlic Aioli, and Pesto, perfect for crust lovers.
Chris Phylactou, UK & Europe Managing Director at Papa Johns, said: “From day one, we’ve been committed to Better Ingredients, Better Pizza – and our new Sourdough range is a true reflection of that. The care and devotion we’ve poured into perfecting this over two years – testing dozens of recipes, working with industry experts and refining every detail – speaks to our commitment to flavour, texture and quality. This range is all about bringing high-quality, slow-crafted sourdough to everyone – we can’t wait for the nation to try it.”
Launching nationwide on 14th April, customers can treat themselves to any sourdough pizza for £15 or opt for a deal featuring two sourdough pizzas, a side, and a drink for £29. For an extra £2.50, dessert dippers can be added to complete the meal.
The Sourdough Range is available in-store, online, via the app, and through delivery partners, giving pizza enthusiasts across the UK the chance to experience the craftsmanship without the wait.
