Copycat Spencer’s Garlic Parm Bananza Pizza Recipe

There’s something wildly satisfying about pizza that hits all the right notes – creamy, cheesy, a little tangy, and bursting with garlicky depth. Domino’s nailed that combo with their limited-edition Garlic Parm Bananza pizza, part of the “secret menu” trio that sent fans into a frenzy this summer. If you didn’t get a chance to try it during the promo window or just want to recreate the magic at home, this copycat recipe brings the Bananza flavor right into your kitchen.

This version is built on a buttery pan-style crust with layers of garlicky white sauce, Italian sausage, banana peppers, and a double dose of Parmesan. It’s bold, creamy, and ridiculously good – and the best part is, it’s easy to make without any special equipment or ingredients. Whether you’re feeding the crew or just indulging in a Friday-night pie, this one is a serious win.

How to make Copycat Garlic Parm Bananza Pizza

Start by prepping your crust. The original Domino’s version uses their Handmade Pan base, which you can mimic using a cast iron skillet or cake pan to get that golden, crispy bottom and soft center. The sauce is a creamy garlic Parmesan blend that comes together in five minutes and clings beautifully to every bite. Once the toppings are on, all that’s left is to bake until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 4)
Calories: ~410 per slice (based on 8 slices)

Ingredients, Instructions and Tips

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ball refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade, enough for 12-inch pizza)
• 1 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 garlic clove (minced, optional)

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 1 tbsp mayonnaise for extra richness

For the Toppings:

• ¾ cup cooked Italian sausage crumbles
• ½ cup sliced banana peppers (drained)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup shredded Asiago or more Parmesan
• Optional: crushed red pepper or ranch drizzle

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pan crust:
   Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Lightly oil a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet or round cake pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan and up the sides slightly. Brush with melted butter and minced garlic for extra flavor.
2. Make the sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking, then cook until thickened (about 3 to 4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add mayo if using, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the pizza:
   Spread the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle sausage and banana peppers across the top. Add mozzarella, then finish with Asiago or Parmesan.
4. Bake it up:
   Place the pan in the oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil.
5. Finish and serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired.

Tips:

• For crispier edges, preheat the pan in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the dough.
• You can use pre-cooked sausage to save time, just make sure it’s well-drained.
• Want it extra garlicky? Add fresh garlic to both the sauce and crust.

What to serve with the dish

This pizza pairs best with simple sides that let the bold garlic-Parmesan flavor shine. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness, while roasted broccoli or zucchini make for easy veg sides. You can also serve it with garlic knots (yes, double garlic!) or a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade to cut through the fat and keep things bright. If you’re having a pizza night, this one plays nicely next to a pepperoni classic or something spicy like buffalo wings.

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Crust Base
   Original Ingredient: Refrigerated pizza dough
   Substitutes:

• Pre-made pan-style crust: Available in the bakery section.
• Homemade dough: Use your favourite pizza dough recipe.
• Gluten-Free Dough: For a gluten-free option, use a certified GF pizza crust mix.

2. Garlic Parmesan Sauce
   Original Ingredient: Butter, milk, Parmesan, flour, garlic
   Substitutes:

• Alfredo Sauce: Use store-bought Alfredo in a pinch, just season with extra garlic.
• Cream Cheese Sauce: Blend cream cheese with milk and garlic for a thicker, tangy twist.
• Vegan Sauce: Use plant-based butter and milk with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

3. Italian Sausage
   Original Ingredient: Pork sausage crumbles
   Substitutes:

• Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Lighter in fat but similar in taste.
• Spicy Chorizo: Adds heat and smokiness.
• Plant-Based Crumbles: Use seasoned soy or pea protein sausage crumbles.

4. Banana Peppers
   Original Ingredient: Pickled banana pepper rings
   Substitutes:

• Pepperoncini: Slightly tangier, similar texture.
• Roasted Bell Peppers: For a sweeter bite.
• Jalapeños: For a spicier alternative.

5. Cheese Topping
   Original Ingredient: Mozzarella and Parmesan-Asiago blend
   Substitutes:

• Italian Cheese Blend: Store-bought mixes with provolone and romano also work.
• Vegan Cheese: Use your favourite meltable plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan combo.
• Extra Mozzarella Only: If you can’t find Asiago, it still tastes great with just mozzarella and Parmesan.