What is Pepperoni?

If you've ever had a slice of pizza in the U.S., chances are you've encountered pepperoni. Whether you adore it or choose to skip it, it's hard to miss. But what exactly is pepperoni? Keep reading to discover more about this iconic topping.

What Is Pepperoni and What Is It Made From?

Pepperoni refers to a type of dry-cured sausage, usually made from a blend of beef and pork, spiced and seasoned to perfection. It's an American twist on the traditional Italian salami, which falls under a similar category of cured meats.

The signature red hue of pepperoni comes from the paprika that's mixed into the meat before it is cured and dried. If you've ever noticed a glistening red layer of fat on your plate after enjoying a slice, it's partly due to the paprika used in the seasoning.

Pepperoni is typically made by combining ground beef and pork, although beef-only versions can be found. Its softer texture, compared to other cured sausages, is due to its fat-to-lean ratio—around 30% fat and 70% lean—along with the medium grind used in the sausage-making process.

What Does Pepperoni Taste Like?

Pepperoni comes in many varieties, but it usually has a rich, porky flavor with a mix of spices—though it’s not typically spicy. It’s savory and salty with a chewy texture, thanks to the balance between fat and lean. When cooked, like on pizza, the edges become crispy while the center remains softer.

Pepperoni vs. Salami

Pepperoni is an Italian-American version of the hard salamis produced in Southern Italy. While salami is a broad category of dried sausage usually made with pork, the key difference is that salami is traditionally made in Italy, whereas pepperoni is most commonly made in the U.S.

Pepperoni has a spicier, more peppery flavor compared to salami, which tends to be more herb-forward, although spicy salamis do exist in Italy. Another key difference is that pepperoni is usually sold pre-sliced, while salami is typically available in whole sausage form.

Ways to Use Pepperoni

While pepperoni is most commonly found atop pizzas, it has many other uses across the country. It's frequently featured on charcuterie boards, incorporated into casseroles, and even baked into breads. In some parts of the U.S., like West Virginia, it's a key ingredient in dishes such as the iconic pepperoni roll.

What Makes Pepperoni Curl?

In recent years, 'roni cups'—pepperoni that curls up into little cups while baking—have gained popularity, particularly on pizza. This crispy effect is created by using slightly thicker slices of pepperoni, allowing the edges to curl and trap flavorful rendered fat.

How to Store Pepperoni

Unopened, sliced pepperoni can last up to two months, but once the package is opened, it will begin to dry out after about two weeks. To keep it fresh, store leftover sliced pepperoni in a tightly sealed container. Whole pepperoni sticks, on the other hand, don’t require refrigeration and can be kept in a pantry or cupboard for up to six weeks.