Papa John’s Pizza Dippers (Homemade & So Easy!)

If you love those cheesy, garlicky Papa John’s Pizza Dippers, you’re in for a treat! These homemade pizza dippers are soft, buttery, and full of flavor — perfect for dipping in warm marinara or garlic butter sauce.
With just a few pantry staples and some simple steps, you’ll have restaurant-style pizza dippers fresh out of your own oven.

Let’s get into it — because once that garlic hits the oven, your kitchen will smell amazing.

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Ingredients

• 180 ml warm water (about ¾ cup)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to activate the yeast)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for kneading)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Extra olive oil for brushing
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Italian seasoning (to taste)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded, as much as you like)
• Pepperoni slices (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Marinara or garlic butter for dipping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, mix together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5–10 minutes, until the surface becomes foamy — that means your yeast is alive and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a small well in the center and pour in your yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until everything begins to come together.

When it starts looking like dough, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Add a touch more flour if it feels sticky.

Step 3: Let it Rise

Shape your dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

(Pro tip: if your kitchen is cool, place it in a slightly warm oven — turned OFF — to help it rise faster!)

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or brush it with oil. You can also use a pizza stone for that classic crusty bottom.

Step 5: Shape Your Dippers

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle or circle — about ¼ inch thick.

For thinner, crispier dippers, roll it even thinner!

Step 6: Add the Flavor

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan.
Brush the top with olive oil (or pizza sauce if you prefer).
Sprinkle generously with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

Add a thick layer of mozzarella cheese and some pepperoni slices on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you like extra crispy edges, leave it in for 2–3 more minutes — just keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Once out of the oven, let your pizza dippers cool for a couple of minutes.
Slice them into thick strips or bite-sized sticks, sprinkle with a little parsley for color, and serve with warm marinara or garlic butter sauce on the side.

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Storage Tip

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that soft, cheesy goodness.

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Why You’ll Love These Pizza Dippers

🍕 Easy to make with pantry staples
🧄 Full of garlicky, buttery flavor
🧀 Stretchy, cheesy, and dip-worthy
❤️ Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy snack