Pepperoni is a favorite topping for most Americans. It’s almost impossible not to be very familiar with this spicy sausage, especially if you are accustomed to ordering your pizza from different pizzerias.
Pepperoni pizza is one of the most common toppings in the U.S., despite the endless number of restaurants in the country. For a good reason, this sausage impacts the pizza’s taste, appearance, and flavor differently, leaving it delectable. More so, the pepperoni is responsible for the perfect texture you get.
When choosing the best pepperoni for pizza, it’s easily overwhelming and confusing, as different options are selling at alarming rates.
Thus, we’ve decided to go through several options and present you with the top 5 best pepperonis on the market.
Top 5 Pepperoni for Homemade Pizza
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Margherita Very Best Pepperoni Slices | Over 200 Slices |
| 2. | Bridgford Old World Pepperoni Stick | Gluten Free |
| 3. | Tillamook Country Smoker Pepperoni | Premium Meat |
| 4. | Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni | Gluten free |
| 5. | Foustman’s Artisanal Pepperoni | Pork Free |
What Kind of Pepperoni Gets Crispy?
When it comes to getting crispy pepperoni, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of pepperoni you choose can make a difference. Look for slices that are thinner and have less fat content. Thinner slices tend to crisp up more easily, while lower fat content means less moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
Another important factor is the cooking method you use. Baking or broiling your pepperoni can help achieve that desired crisp texture. Lay out the slices on a baking sheet or directly on a wire rack for even heat distribution. Keep an eye on them as they cook, as they can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
Lastly, consider the temperature and cooking time. Higher temperatures and longer cooking times can help in achieving crispiness. Experiment with different settings and keep track of what works best for you.
Remember, achieving crispy pepperoni is all about finding the right balance between thin slices, low fat, the proper cooking method, and temperature control. With some experimentation and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy deliciously crispy pepperoni every time!
Types of Pepperoni for Pizza
Pepperoni pizza originated in Italy and has become a popular dish in any part of the world. Since its adoption, this dish is now available in a wide range of tastes and flavors.
When it comes to preparing pepperoni pizza, fish, goat, beef, turkey, and pork are standard options. Among these options, the Best beef pepperoni pizza is the most popular type.
In this section, we’ll be discussing the various types of pepperoni for pizza.
Pork Pepperoni Vs. Beef Pepperoni
As their names imply, the pepperoni is made with pork while the other is made using beef.
Beef Pepperoni
For most Americans, beef pepperoni is a go-to. It features thin slices of beef to enrich the crust with a unique flavor. This type of pizza has a smoky flavor, soft texture, and red color. Also, Muslims prefer beef pepperoni to pork pepperoni for religious reasons.
Pork Pepperoni
The pork pepperoni is quite similar to the beef pepperoni. The only difference is the formal has other spices and uses ground pork instead of thin slices. This type of pepperoni isn’t hard to come across in most pizzas in the U.S.
Regular Pepperoni Vs. Old World Pepperoni
Since its adoption in the 20th century, this dish has significantly evolved. Today, there are two primary pepperoni styles: the old world / traditional pepperoni or American style pepperoni.
The American Style or Regular Pepperoni
This pepperoni’s content is stored in an artificial casing that ensures the meat is evenly distributed and intact. You get uniformly straight sticks with consistent thickness.
The American-style pepperoni is easy to slice and appears orange in color with a mild flavor. This pepperoni style resulted from people being concerned about the greasing, burning, and cupping nature of old-world pizza. Thus, this pepperoni style won’t cup or char during baking.
The Old World / Traditional Pepperoni
This style isn’t much different from the Italian sausages using natural casing for a better taste. It comes in a dark to bright red color, and it’s an ideal choice for people who love spicy pizza.
On the contrary, the old-world pepperoni is much more tricky to slice and maintain even slices. Plus, it gets curly as you cut. It’s only reasonable to want to understand why these pepperoni curls.
When baking the traditional pepperoni, an upward curl is noticed that creates a discrete lip that cooks faster and melts away when eating just as bacon does. For this reason, it’s often preferred because of its rich bacon flavor.
The curling nature of this pepperoni is attributed to two reasons:
Thickness
The heating rate of this sausage depends on its thickness. When the top of the pepperoni cooks faster than the base, you tend to get a curled sausage.
Casing
The pepperoni is usually made using either natural or artificial casing. The traditional pepperoni features a natural casing which is responsible for the shrinkage experience when cooking it.
Best Pepperonis for Pizza Reviews
1. Margherita Very Best Top Rated Pepperoni Slices
The Margherita Very Best Top Rated Pepperoni Slices is a delicious pepperoni flavor that makes a perfect addition to any catered, cafe, deli, or restaurant menu. This product is suitable for slicing and works perfectly with a wide range of dishes.
It adds a sweet meat taste and rich, savory flavor to appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. Also, you can choose to serve these pepperoni slices along with olive oil, artichokes, peppers, romaine lettuce, romano cheese, and vinegar for a perfect authentic Italian-chopped salad.
Also, the thin slices can be plated alongside cheddar or gouda cheese for a sumptuous charcuterie plate. To get the best out of its natural taste, the thin slices must be slowly cured. In addition, its exclusive seasoning punctuates the pepperoni taste for a flavorful experience.
Suppose you want a pepperoni that can easily turn your ordinary dishes into an exceptional meal. In that case, the Margherita Very Best Top Rated Pepperoni Slices can be your best bet. This product shows the manufacturer’s intention to choose specialty and traditional Italian meats for a delicious and unique flavor.
Strengths:
- Over 200 Slices
- True Italian taste
- It offers a perfect level of flavor and spice
Weaknesses:
- It might be a bit bland for some users
2. Bridgford Old World Pepperoni
When it comes to brands that I trust, Bridgford takes the lead. This brand is known for offering high-quality products that won’t disappoint you. The Bridgford has a wide variety of sausages and is not hard to find in any store anywhere in the world. These sausages are smoked in a cutting-edge food processing facility for excellent results.
Each pepperoni sticks go through the aging and natural fermentation process to produce an exceptional flavor that will remain pleasing and delicious for many years to come. For the most delicious and flavorful pepperoni possible, this manufacturer opted for the finest ingredients.
This means you’ll always get a tasty pepperoni for a tasty salami. This product makes use of common spices, pork, beef, and salt for a mouth-watering taste. Even better, the Bridgford Old World Pepperoni Stick can be used for other meals besides pizzas, like sandwiches, pasta, and many more. Also, they are gluten-free and include BHA & BHT to protect their natural flavors.
Strengths:
- Gluten-free sausages
- Manufactured in a state-of-the-art food processing facility
- Incredible versatility
- Great taste
- Poor quality control
3. Tillamook Country Smoker Pepperoni
Another brand that you can’t go wrong choosing is the Tillamook Country Smoker. This manufacturer has more than 40 years of experience and is reputable for its unique mix of natural hardwood smoke, simple ingredients, and hard work.
Unlike other brands, their ingredients are easy to recognize, pronounce and understand. And, this product is no different. The Tillamook Country Smoker Real Hardwood Pepperoni Smoked Sausage Sticks are made with top-quality pork and beef and smoked with real hardwood for mouth-watering results.
These sausage sticks are crafted with premium pork and beef, which also serve as a good protein source. And, it’s seasoned with the brand’s unique recipe to ensure a sumptuous snack anytime.
Furthermore, the manufacturer boasts a beautiful smoky flavor that can only be obtained from smoking with real hardwood. This manufacturer has decided to stick the hard way instead of using the easier method for authentic flavors and taste.
Strengths:
- Premium ingredients
- A proprietary natural spice blend
- 100% real hardwood smoked
Weaknesses:
- The packaging could be better
4. Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni
The Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni is another favorite pepperoni option for your pizza. This product features BHA, and BHT with citric acid to accentuate the pepperoni’s flavor, making it suitable for use on your homemade pizza toppings.
This gluten-free pepperoni is excellent for making most Italian delicacies, thanks to its rich mix of a wide range of ingredients to create tasty, delectable pepperonis.
Their unique blends of ingredients and state-of-the-art food processing facilities are among the many reasons why the Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni is still relevant and popularly used to date.
Besides, it has been inspected and passed by the Department of Agriculture. Est 19.
Strengths:
- Great for pizza toppings
- Made using a top-of-the-line manufacturing process
- best quality ingredients
Weaknesses:
- On the pricey side
5. Foustman’s Naturally Cured Artisanal Pepperoni
Faustman’s brand is owned by a family with a long history of creating unique flavors and styles of artisanal uncured salami. This all-natural, old-world-style pepperoni will make a great addition to your pizza toppings.
It’s naturally cured to accentuate its authentic flavor and taste. This product is available in 15 flavors, including lamb, turkey, beef, and pork styles. On top of that, Foustman’s Artisanal Pepperoni is ideal for any cheese or charcuterie board.
That’s not all: this pepperoni is shelf stable which makes it perfect for camping and travel. The casing features a natural organic white mold that comes off easily when removing the casing before enjoying it.
Strengths:
- Available in several flavor options
- Perfect for cheese or charcuterie board
- Ideal for camping and travel
Weaknesses:
- The mold cannot be reused
Things to consider when shopping for the best pepperoni for pizza.
When purchasing a pepperoni, it’s essential to consider the following key factors to ensure you make the right decision.
Cup or Flat
Nobody wants their food presented poorly, and the same holds for pizzas. Pepperonis are not only tasteful and flavorful, but they also improve your pizza’s overall presentation. Therefore, based on your preference, would you prefer to have them flat or cup-like?
For flat options, the oils are intentionally left to serve as a sheen across the cheese. On the other hand, the cup-like option comes with a small pool containing its liquid. Plus, the cup size is determined by the thickness. Thus for a more comfortable cup, you should opt for a medium-thick option.
Thickness
Another essential factor to bear in mind when shopping for pepperoni for pizza is the thickness, which determines these slices’ appearance.
For those who prefer having their slice of pepperoni crunchy, thinner slices are a better option. On the contrary, the thicker pepperoni slices will only offer a mouthful experience. Also, it allows you to have a good taste of the meat, which is precisely what pepperonis are.
Keep in mind that the thicker the slice, the higher the price.
Amount of Fat
For health-conscious individuals, you might want to check out the fat content before making a purchase. While fat makes the pepperoni delicious, too much of it isn’t a healthwise decision. Therefore, you should consider products with low-fat content.
Margherita Pepperoni vs Regular Pepperoni
The Margherita pizza is a pizza that most people think has tomatoes and cheese. However, the real version is made with fresh basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and tomato sauce. Regular pepperoni does not have any of these ingredients.
People who are trying to eat more healthily may be wondering why this Margherita pizza sounds so different from the other one.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answered
Pizza is often a favorite food for many people and pepperoni is a delicious topping. Do you cook pepperoni before putting it on pizza, or does it already come cooked? Some people will cook the pepperoni before putting them on the pizza because they feel that it makes the topping more flavorful.
Other people do not want to risk burning the other toppings. There really isn’t a right answer to this question as it all depends on personal preference.
The three different types of pepperoni are pepperoni, hard pepperoni, and soft pepperoni. Pepperoni is the most common type of pepperoni and it is made from ground or finely chopped pork, beef, or a mixture of meats with spices such as salt, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and natural flavorings such as celery seed.
Pork and beef are the most common ingredients used to make pepperoni. However, you might find some products made with a blend of turkey and beef, but it’s not common to find pepperoni made with a mix of pork and beef.
Pepperonis are spiced up to taste better than regular meat. They are usually spiced up with black pepper, crushed pepper, paprika, fennel seed, cayenne pepper, garlic, mustard seed, and many more. The red-orange tone of pepperoni is due to the addition of paprika.
Like most food items, the pepperoni can be frozen, but it’s essential not to dry them. Thus, the pepperoni should be placed in a freezer bag for safe storage in your freeze.
They can be preserved for up to 10 months, depending on their freshness, before freezing them. Also, they should be stored in small portions to prevent thawing the pepperonis.
Conclusion
By now, you should’ve figured out that there are hundreds of pepperoni versions on the market, which makes the decision process a little bit complicated and overwhelming.
However, we’ve reviewed the top 5 best pepperonis for pizza to make it easier for you to make the right call. But if you’re still not sure which one to go for, then you can’t really go wrong purchasing our top choice, Margherita’s Very Best Top Rated Pepperoni Slices.
This product comes seasoned for great taste and flavor and is compatible with any dish you’ve in mind. Besides, you don’t have to go through the hassle of slicing, it comes in perfect thin slices for a crunchy pepperoni.
Also, check out our buying guide before settling for any of the versions reviewed in this post for an informed decision.
