Stuffed crust pizza has long been a hallmark of Pizza Hut, but in recent years, both Papa John’s and Domino’s have introduced their own versions. The question remains: Does Domino’s new stuffed crust beat the others, or does Pizza Hut still reign supreme? To find out, I tried a stuffed crust pizza from each chain and put them to the test. Here’s the breakdown.
Appearance: Domino’s Takes the Lead
While appearance doesn’t directly affect taste, it does play a role in our initial perceptions. Domino’s wins this round hands down. The crust of their stuffed pizza is dusted with grated Parmesan cheese, giving it a golden, appetizing look. The pizza was cooked to perfection, with a plump and crispy crust that looked irresistible.
In comparison, Papa John’s pizza was also visually appealing, though it didn’t have the same extra seasoning that made Domino’s stand out. Pizza Hut, however, lagged behind. Its crust looked lighter in color, and the stuffed section wasn’t as plump or visually enticing. The pizza looked drier, with a slightly off-putting appearance that suggested it might shrink as it cooled.
Crust Quality: Domino’s and Papa John’s Shine, Pizza Hut Falls Short
When it comes to stuffed crust, the crust itself is the star of the show. Here, Domino’s reigns supreme. The stuffed crust portion was crunchy, chewy, and full of cheesy goodness, all while being enhanced by a flavorful garlic-Parmesan mix. The regular crust under the pizza was also a winner—neither too thick nor too thin, it struck the perfect balance.
Papa John’s comes in second. The stuffed crust was almost as good as Domino’s but lacked the seasoning that made Domino’s crust pop. It was slightly thicker, but still chewy and flavorful.
Pizza Hut, unfortunately, disappointed in this department. While the stuffed crust itself was decent, the rest of the pizza’s crust was thin and tough, reminding me of cardboard. Even reheating the pizza only made the issue worse.
Sauce: Not Enough to Satisfy
All three chains featured their own take on pizza sauce. Pizza Hut’s sauce was on the sweeter side, while Domino’s and Papa John’s leaned more savory. While these flavor differences matter to some, the bigger issue was the lack of sauce overall. There wasn’t nearly enough to complement the generous stuffed crust, which was a letdown for anyone who enjoys a saucy pizza. I recommend adding extra sauce to any stuffed crust order if you want to get the most flavor.
Cheese: Papa John’s Delivers the Best Texture and Flavor
When it comes to the cheese inside the crust and on top of the pizza, all three chains performed well, but Papa John’s stood out. The cheese inside their stuffed crust was the perfect texture, and the pizza was generously topped with a balanced amount of cheese that complemented the other ingredients.
Domino’s cheese, however, was a bit too spongy and bland for my liking. It didn’t have the rich flavor I was hoping for. On the other hand, Pizza Hut’s cheese was adequate but uninspiring, and it didn’t do much to improve the overall experience.
Toppings: Minor Variations, But Pizza Hut Struggles
For this taste test, I ordered half plain and half jalapeño pineapple on each pizza. Despite my fondness for pineapple and jalapeño (controversial or not), the toppings didn’t show much difference between the chains. All three pizzas had a similar amount of toppings, but I did notice a texture difference with Pizza Hut’s jalapeños. They were drier and chewier compared to the other chains. After reheating a slice, this issue worsened, further cementing Pizza Hut’s position at the bottom.
Price and Size: Similar but Not Identical
In terms of price, all three pizzas were fairly similar, usually costing between $17 and $20, though special deals could affect the total cost. However, there’s a size discrepancy. Pizza Hut and Papa John’s offer their stuffed crust pizzas in a large 14-inch size, while Domino’s serves its version in a medium 12-inch size. If you’re feeding a larger group, the larger size from Pizza Hut or Papa John’s might be a better option.
The Final Verdict: Domino’s Tops the Chart, Pizza Hut Falls Short
So, who does stuffed crust pizza best? It’s clear that Domino’s has the edge in this showdown, thanks to its flavorful crust, eye-catching appearance, and overall balanced pizza. Papa John’s comes in second with a solid stuffed crust but lacks the seasoning that could have pushed it to the top.
Pizza Hut, once the undisputed king of stuffed crust, now finds itself trailing behind in several key areas, particularly in crust quality and appearance. While it still delivers a decent product, it’s no longer the standout choice it once was.
In conclusion, if you’re craving a stuffed crust pizza, Domino’s should be your go-to choice, with Papa John’s a close second. Pizza Hut may still have its loyal fans, but it’s clear that its competitors have caught up—and in some areas, surpassed it.
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