The Shaq-A-Roni pizza is a specialty pizza created through a partnership between pizza chain Papa John’s and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. This extra-large pizza features pepperoni and extra cheese and has become one of Papa John’s most popular menu items. With its oversized dimensions, many customers wonder just how many slices come in one Shaq-A-Roni pizza. This article will explore the details of the Shaq-A-Roni pizza’s size and ingredients to determine an estimated slice count. Key factors like diameter, area, and number of pepperoni slices will be analyzed.
Details on the Shaq-A-Roni Pizza
The Shaq-A-Roni pizza is essentially a pepperoni pizza but taken to the next level. Here are some key details on the pie:
- It is an extra-large pizza measuring 28 inches in diameter. This is roughly 20% larger than a traditional large pizza.
- Each pizza contains nearly twice the amount of pepperoni as a large pepperoni pizza from Papa John’s. Estimates range from 120-150 pepperoni slices.
- The pizza is handmade to order using fresh, never frozen dough.
- It contains at least 50% more cheese than Papa John’s large one-topping pizzas.
- The total pizza weighs about 4 pounds when fully prepared.
- It is cut into rectangle slices rather than wedges.
As you can see, everything about this pizza is super-sized. The ingredients are stacked high on an expansive pizza crust. Next, we’ll use the diameter measurement to estimate the total area and potential slice count.
Estimating Area and Number of Slices
The key to figuring out how many slices come in a full Shaq-A-Roni pizza lies with the diameter. At 28 inches wide, here is the pizza’s total area:
Area of a Circle Calculation
Area = π x radius2
Radius = Diameter / 2
So for a 28-inch diameter:
Radius = 28 inches / 2 = 14 inches
Area = π x 142
Area = π x 196
Area ≈ 615 square inches
That’s a lot of pizza! Now to estimate the potential number of slices, we need to make some assumptions on the slice size:
Assumptions on Slice Size
- Based on photos, slices appear to be rectangular, not triangular wedges.
- Most slice widths appear around 3-4 inches wide.
- Slice lengths vary but let’s estimate an average of 7 inches long.
This would make the average slice area around:
Slice Width: 3.5 inches
Slice Length: 7 inches
Slice Area = Width x Length
= 3.5 x 7
= 24.5 square inches
Now we can divide the total pizza area by the estimated average slice area:
Total Pizza Area: 615 square inches
Average Slice Area: 24.5 square inches
Slices = Total Area / Slice Area
= 615 sq. in. / 24.5 sq. in.
≈ 25 slices
Conclusion
Based on the Shaq-A-Roni pizza’s large 28-inch diameter and an estimated average slice size, a full pie appears to yield about 25 slices. This aligns well with Papa John’s own marketing that calls it an “extra-large, over-sized pizza.” To put this slice count into perspective, a typical large pizza from Papa John’s only yields about 6-8 slices. At nearly triple the slices, the Shaq-A-Roni pizza lives up to its namesake with larger-than-life size and servings.
Visual Summary
| Pizza Size | Diameter | Total Area | Est. # Slices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large | 14 inches | 153 sq. in. | 6-8 |
| Shaq-A-Roni | 28 inches | 615 sq. in. | 25 |
This table summarizes how the much larger Shaq-A-Roni dwarfs a typical Papa John’s large pizza in size, area, and slice count. Truly a pizza worthy of the big man Shaquille O’Neal himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Shaq-A-Roni pizza:
What are the ingredients in the Shaq-A-Roni pizza?
The Shaq-A-Roni is a pepperoni pizza made with Papa John’s original fresh, never frozen six-ingredient dough, pizza sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. It is then loaded up with at least double the amount of pepperoni as a typical Papa John’s pepperoni pizza.
What size is the Shaq-A-Roni pizza?
It is an extra-large 28-inch diameter pizza, making it about 20% larger than a typical Papa John’s large pizza.
Why does it use rectangular slices instead of wedges?
With over 25 slices per pizza, triangular wedges would yield very narrow slices. Rectangular slices allow for wider slices that are easier to pick up and eat.
How much does the Shaq-A-Roni cost compared to other Papa John’s pizzas?
The Shaq-A-Roni typically costs between $13-$16 depending on location and any deals or specials. This is 2-3 times the cost of a large one-topping pizza. But you are getting nearly triple the amount of pizza!
The Case for Buying the Shaq-A-Roni
Here’s why the Shaq-A-Roni may be worth splurging on for your next game day, party, or family night:
- Twice the Pepperoni: Pepperoni fans will go crazy for the explosion of meaty flavor.
- Great Value: Per square inch, the Shaq-A-Roni gives you more pizza for your buck.
- Leftovers for Days: With 25+ slices you’ll have delicious pizza leftovers to last you through the week.
- Instant Party Pleaser: This over-the-top pizza is sure to wow your guests.
- Limited Time Offer: The Shaq-A-Roni is only available for a short time, so get it while you can!
The Shaq-A-Roni is the ultimate extra-large pepperoni pizza perfect for big appetites and bigger occasions. Don’t miss your chance to try this viral pizza sensation.
Nutrition Information
Here is the estimated nutrition information for the Shaq-A-Roni pizza based on a 1/25th slice:
| Nutrient | 1 Slice (1/25th pizza) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 15g |
Like any pizza loaded with meat and cheese, each giant slice of the Shaq-A-Roni packs a caloric punch. But enjoyed occasionally, it can be part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
The Final Slice
The Shaq-A-Roni from Papa John’s is an absolute monster of a pizza. With a 28-inch diameter yielding over 600 square inches of pizza real estate, estimates suggest that each whole pie contains around 25 rectangular slices. This accounts for the Shaq-A-Roni’s status as a viral pizza phenomenon known for its large size and over-the-top pepperoni coverage. While one slice may satisfy the average appetite, it’s always smart to size up when Shaq is involved. The next time you have a big crowd to feed or just a Shaq-sized craving, make it a Shaq-A-Roni night!
