Home What Is Pepperoni Made Of? The Ingredients Behind the Flavor

What Is Pepperoni Made Of? The Ingredients Behind the Flavor

November 15, 2024

Did you know that pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in America? Order a great NY slice, and you’ll understand why this meal literally has millions on repeat. But who do we have to thank for this? (Seriously, they need a shoutout). Grab a slice, and let’s take a look (and have a taste) of our no.1 toppings. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

What’s the Deal with Pepperoni, Anyway?

So, pepperoni is Italian-American – meaning it was created by Italians who immigrated to America. In terms of ingredients, it’s made from traditional salami, but it’s air-dried, spicy, and made with pork, which has a softer texture and a peppery, smoky taste. The exact ingredients vary, but we’ve dropped some essentials below:

Pork or a mix of beef and pork
Paprika
Calabrian chili pepper
Cayenne pepper
Crushed garlic pepper
Garlic
Fennel
Mustard seeds or powder
Black pepper

How is Pepperoni Made?

So, how it pepperoni made? The process is pretty lengthy – which comes as no surprise considering the outcome, flavor, and taste we all know and love.

It all starts with finding the right meat cuts, with an emphasis on the ideal meat-to-fat ratio. Next, the meat is trimmed and mixed with seasonings and spices. People typically add lactic acid bacteria and sodium nitrate, which lowers the meat’s pH balance and preserves the pepperoni perfectly.

Finally, the meat is stuffed into paper-like casings, fermented, smoked, and dried. Usually, they’re put into an oven to dry at a really low temperature, then moved to a drying room for as long as 20 days. Once dried, it’s packed and shipped – and topped generously on your favorite slices.

Why We Love It

This one’s easy: It’s spicy and full of flavor, which complements a great pizza base. It’s also familiar; Americans just know – and go crazy for it. Can’t say a taste of home isn’t comforting, right? Let’s be real; it’s rich and crispy, and it just tastes great on pizza. That’s what really matters, anyway. Why complicate one of life’s most simple (and biggest) pleasures?

Hungry yet? Find it on the Bravo pizza menu and smash those cravings in minutes.

Pepperoni at Bravo Pizza NYC

Now that you know some key facts about pepperoni, get right at it and order a slice or pie from Bravo. We’ve been serving up your favorite meals for more than 20 years, and we know better than anyone that a classic never goes out of style.

For a taste of the ultimate pepperoni pizza, make a booking or pull through to one of our restaurants. Catering or ordering in instead? It’s easy. Get it online and dig in. You’re welcome.

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