What Is Pepperoni?
If you’ve ever ordered a pizza in the U.S., chances are you’ve encountered pepperoni—America’s go-to pizza topping. But what exactly is this spicy, savory, slightly greasy delight? Let’s break it down, slice by slice.
What Is Pepperoni and What’s It Made Of?
Pepperoni is a type of cured, dried sausage, usually made from a mix of beef and pork (though some versions are beef-only). It’s essentially the American cousin of Italian salami, but with a few key differences—mainly, it’s softer, spicier, and way more likely to end up on your pizza.
The signature bright red color comes from paprika, which also adds a mild smokiness. That little pool of orange-tinted oil on your pizza after a pepperoni slice? Yep, that’s the paprika doing its thing.
The texture is another giveaway—pepperoni is tender compared to other cured meats, thanks to its high fat content (around 30%) and a medium-coarse grind.
What Does Pepperoni Taste Like?
Think salty, meaty, and just a little peppery—but not necessarily spicy. The flavor is bold and savory, with a hint of smokiness from the curing process. When cooked (like on pizza), the edges crisp up while the center stays slightly chewy, creating that perfect combo of crunch and juiciness.
Pepperoni vs. Salami: What’s the Difference?
Pepperoni is basically salami’s more outgoing, pizza-loving sibling. Here’s how they stack up:
Beyond Pizza: Other Ways to Use Pepperoni
Sure, it’s the MVP of pizza toppings, but pepperoni has range. Here are a few other ways it shines:
Why Does Pepperoni Curl Up on Pizza?
If you’ve noticed those little "roni cups" forming on your pizza, you’ve witnessed the magic of heat + fat. Thicker-cut pepperoni shrinks and curls at the edges as it cooks, creating tiny grease-filled pools. Some pizza lovers swear this is the only way to eat pepperoni.
How to Store Pepperoni
So next time you’re debating pizza toppings, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting with pepperoni—a little slice of cured, spiced, American-Italian deliciousness. Now, who’s hungry?
