The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and Papa John's has joined the festive fray with a limited-edition menu that features a surprising twist on a British classic.
A Surprising Festive Creation
When thinking about Papa John's Christmas offerings, most would expect innovative pizzas. However, the chain has taken a different approach this year with their 'Yuletide Yorkie' - a giant Yorkshire pudding transformed into a pizza-style dish. Available until January 4th, 2026, this creation represents the company's push toward bolder festive flavours.
As Rebecca Carroll, marketing director at Papa Johns, explained: "We're devoted to looking for new ways to celebrate the flavours people love, and this festive season we've gone all out. The Yuletide Yorkie is a bold example of our commitment to innovation, bringing together two national favourites for a festive feast like no other."
The Taste Test Experience
This isn't your traditional Sunday roast Yorkshire pudding. The Yuletide Yorkie comes layered with melted cheese and topped with orange-and-thyme turkey, sausage, bacon, crumbled potato tots, all finished with a rich gravy drizzle.
The first bite delivered genuine surprise. The potato tots created an unexpectedly successful flavour pairing within the pizza-style framework, while the combination of meats worked harmoniously to tie the dish together.
However, the experience wasn't without its criticisms. The three different meat selections felt somewhat overwhelming alongside the numerous other toppings. As the reviewer noted, the dish might have been more successful with just turkey and sausage, creating a more balanced flavour profile.
Cheese Lovers Versus Everyone Else
The substantial cheese content contributed significantly to the dish's heaviness. While those who enjoy rich cheese flavours will likely appreciate this aspect, it proved somewhat excessive for others. Despite this, the reviewer managed to eat three out of the four slices, indicating that the flavours ultimately worked well together.
The consensus suggests this works best as a festive side dish rather than a main course. For cheese enthusiasts, it's definitely worth trying, while others might prefer requesting slightly less cheese to achieve their perfect balance.
The Perfect Companion Dish
Following the Yorkshire pudding, the reviewer sampled Papa John's pigs in blankets served with a gravy mayo dip. These proved to be an undeniable success - so much so that they deserve to be available year-round rather than just during the festive season.
While the classic pigs in blankets stood perfectly on their own, the gravy mayo dip provided an interesting, though not essential, accompaniment that might not suit every palate.
Both the Yuletide Yorkie and pigs in blankets are available as part of Papa John's premium festive sides collection until early January 2026, offering Brits a convenient way to enjoy Christmas dinner flavours without the traditional preparation hassle.
