Papa Johns Yorkshire Pudding Pizza On The Christmas Menu: Any Good?

The moment someone mentions messing with a classic, especially one from Yorkshire, people get defensive. So when Papa Johns announced it was launching a Yorkshire pudding pizza for the festive season, you can imagine the reaction. It sounds a bit mad, doesn’t it? Like something invented after a big night out.

Is it a culinary crime or a stroke of genius? A review published on 20 November 2025 took on the challenge to find out whether this controversial dish is worth the fuss or just a gimmick to stir up some festive excitement.

What exactly is a Yorkshire pudding pizza?

The name alone is enough to make some traditionalists shudder. People in Yorkshire take their puddings seriously. A good Yorkie is an art form: light, crispy, and perfect with gravy. Turning it into a pizza base feels a bit like sacrilege.

But Papa Johns went ahead with it. The reviewer wasn’t expecting much, especially after tasting a disappointing roast in a pudding at the Manchester Christmas Markets back in 2023. Those trendy Christmas market stalls can be hit or miss.

This creation, though, was something else entirely. Instead of a dry, sad pudding with a bit of meat, this was a proper feast. The base is a golden Yorkshire pudding topped with all the festive essentials: turkey, sausage, bacon, and crumbled potato tots. Then there is a generous drizzle of rich gravy and a layer of melted cheese.

It is the kind of bold menu item that chefs like Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver would either love or absolutely hate. No middle ground. It is certainly a talking point.

The verdict: a festive surprise

Here is the surprising bit. It was actually brilliant. Any fear of a dry, stodgy mess disappeared with the first bite. The reviewer said it was “so juicy, every mouthful was delightful” and couldn’t fault it. High praise for something that sounds so wrong on paper.

The gravy drizzle clearly did the heavy lifting, keeping everything moist and flavourful. It was more surprising than a full house win on ITV The Chase.

Would you order it again? The reviewer said no, but only to avoid getting sick of Christmas flavours before December had even begun. It is a special festive treat, not a weekly takeaway choice.

It serves two for £8, which is decent for something so unique. A great option when you are torn between a South Yorkshire pub carvery or staying in with a pizza.

What else is on the Christmas menu?

If the Yorkshire pudding pizza is a step too far, there are other festive options on the Papa Johns Christmas menu.

• Pigs in Blankets: A Christmas essential. These were described as delicious and very moreish. They come with a gravy mayo dip, which sounds incredible. The downside is the price. At £8, they felt steep. A fiver would seem more reasonable.
• Cinnapie Sticks: Perfect for a sweet tooth. These cinnamon flavoured treats are great value at £5 and come in a generous portion. Ideal for sharing at Christmas parties. They might even give dessert places like Lola’s a run for their money.

Final thoughts on the festive takeaway

Overall, the Papa Johns Christmas menu is small but impressive. The Yorkshire pudding pizza is a genuinely surprising and tasty festive dish. It is fun, it is different, and it definitely gets you in the Christmas mood.

The pigs in blankets are a little pricey, but the Cinnapie Sticks offer great value and are perfect for sharing. If you are planning a cosy night in this Christmas, the festive menu is worth trying. It saves you from trudging around a busy Christmas market and brings a hearty seasonal treat straight to your door.

It may not be the sort of thing James Martin would serve on a chef’s tasting menu, but it is not trying to be. It is about fun, flavour, and a bit of festive madness.

And on that front, Papa Johns has nailed it.