Papa John's Garlic Sauce (Easy Copycat)

Papa John’s Garlic Sauce (Easy Copycat)

If you’ve ever dipped a slice of pizza into Papa John’s signature garlic sauce, you know how hard it is to stop at just one bite. This creamy, buttery dip transforms even a plain pizza crust into something crave-worthy. Why limit yourself to the single container in a takeout box, though? Making this iconic sauce at home is fast, simple, and gives you unlimited access to garlicky goodness—whenever you want it.

Let’s dive into how you can make your own Papa John’s garlic sauce in your kitchen, how to tweak it to your liking, and all the delicious ways to use it.

Papa John's Garlic Sauce (Easy Copycat) Vertical Photo

What Is Papa John’s Garlic Sauce?

Papa John’s garlic sauce is a rich, savory butter-based dip packed with garlic flavor and a hint of salt. Its silky texture comes from margarine, which is the original ingredient used by the chain. This makes the sauce shelf-stable and achieves that classic taste so many pizza lovers recognize. When made at home, you get to control the garlic punch and texture—whether you want it subtle or bold.

Why Make a Copycat Garlic Sauce?

Ordering pizza just to get extra dipping cups is never necessary again. Homemade garlic sauce means:

Freshness every time
The ability to adjust garlic or salt for personal taste
No preservatives or additives
Large batch options for parties or family dinners

You’ll also save money and reduce waste, as you can store and freeze leftovers for future cravings.

Ingredients for Papa John’s Garlic Sauce

The magic happens with just three everyday ingredients. Here’s what you need for an authentic copycat:

Margarine: Provides the silky-smooth base. Use a high-quality block margarine for best results. Original sauce from Papa John’s uses margarine instead of butter.
Garlic Powder: Delivers big garlic flavor without overpowering sharpness. Fine, white garlic powder works best.
Salt: A little sea salt ties everything together and balances the richness.

That’s it. There’s no need to chop garlic or hunt for rare ingredients. If you want a twist, try adding a sprinkle of parsley, a dash of chili flakes, or even a touch of parmesan.

Ingredient	Purpose	Notes
Margarine	Smooth, creamy texture	Don’t substitute with oil or shortening
Garlic powder	Bold garlic flavor	Granulated form blends best
Salt	Enhances flavor	Sea salt for clean, bright taste

How To Make Papa John’s Garlic Sauce

The method could not be simpler. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a sauce ready to pour, drizzle, or dunk.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Melt the margarine: In a small saucepan, gently melt 1 cup of margarine over low heat; avoid browning.
Add garlic powder: Whisk in 1 to 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder. Taste and adjust as needed.
Add salt: Stir in ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt. Mix well to dissolve.
Let flavors marry: Remove from heat. Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes. This allows the garlic flavor to infuse.
Serve: Whisk again and pour into serving bowls while warm.

For a smoother finish, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional but keeps the texture silky.

Variations and Swaps

If you’d rather use butter, swap margarine for an equal amount of unsalted, full-fat butter. The taste becomes richer and creamier, though a little different from Papa John’s exact flavor.

Prefer a bigger garlic kick? Try freshly grated garlic. For every 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, use three medium cloves, minced and cooked gently in the melted margarine until fragrant but not brown. For softer, rounder garlic notes, roasted garlic works beautifully—simply mash roasted cloves into the melted base.

To keep the sauce from separating (especially with butter), use clarified butter. Melt the butter slowly, skim off the foam, and remove the milk solids. Only use the clear yellow liquid in your sauce base.

Expert Tips For Perfect Garlic Sauce

Margarine melts more cleanly without separating. Butter may need whisking to recombine if chilled and reheated.
Start with less garlic powder; you can always add more.
Fresh garlic brings sharper flavor, while powder ensures smoothness.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream.

Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

Problem	Solution
Sauce separates after cooling	Warm and whisk before serving
Not garlicky enough	Add more powder or fresh garlic
Lacks saltiness	Sprinkle in extra sea salt
Too thick	Add a splash of warm water

How to Use Garlic Sauce

The beauty of this simple sauce is its versatility. It’s not just for pizza—though it does turn every crust into a treat. Here are some popular (and a few unexpected) ways to put your homemade garlic sauce to work:

Classic Pairings

Pizza: Drizzle directly onto slices or serve on the side for dipping crusts.
Breadsticks and garlic knots: Brush over warm bread or serve alongside for dunking.
Garlic bread pizza: Coat cooked pizza dough in the sauce and bake with mozzarella.

Beyond Pizza: Other Serving Ideas

Roasted or steamed vegetables: Pour over broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for an instant flavor boost.
Parmesan pasta: Toss pasta in garlic sauce and top with fresh parmesan.
Grilled steak or chicken: Brush on during the last minute of grilling for a garlicky glaze.
Seafood: Ladle over baked salmon, shrimp, or scallops for restaurant-style richness.
Mashed potatoes: Stir in just before serving for ultra-creamy flavor.

A small bowl of this sauce on the table instantly upgrades any meal. Guests will wonder what your secret is!

Storing and Freezing Garlic Sauce

You can make this garlic sauce in advance. Let it cool to room temperature, then decant into a lidded glass jar or a small airtight container.

In the fridge: Keep for up to five days.
In the freezer: Pour into silicone ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag for easy single-use portions. Frozen garlic sauce keeps well for up to three months.

When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or melt gently over low heat. Stir or whisk well to recombine before serving.

Safety Note

Always use a clean spoon when serving from a jar to avoid contamination. If sauce develops an unusual odor, color, or texture, discard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute olive oil or another fat for margarine?
Margarine or butter are best for mimicking the original flavor and creamy mouthfeel. Oils won’t create the right texture.

How do I make it vegan?
Simply choose a vegan margarine. Ensure your garlic powder and salt are vegan-friendly.

Does it work as a pizza sauce base?
Absolutely! Brush it onto pizza dough in place of tomato sauce for a white “garlic butter” pizza. Top with cheese and bake as usual.

How can I make it spicy?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Papa John’s garlic sauce transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. With a handful of basic ingredients and just a few minutes, you can bring this restaurant favorite home. Keep a batch ready for pizza night, or try it out in new ways to add punch to vegetables, meats, and grains.

Quick to whip up, endlessly customizable, and instantly crowd-pleasing—this easy copycat garlic sauce recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.