Pepperoni

N/A (Cured Sausage) Meat (Cured)

Pepperoni Meat (Cured)

At a Glance

  • Category Meat (Cured)

The Forktionary Angle

"The Spicy Spark: Igniting Flavors with Pepperoni"

Definition

A spicy Italian-American variety of salami, made from cured pork and beef, seasoned with paprika or other chili pepper.

Average Fat Content Approx. 13g per 1 oz
Primary Culinary Use Pizza Topping
Shelf Life (Unopened) Several months (room temp)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pepperoni are:

Spicy Savory Umami Fatty

Chef’s Secret

For crispier, less greasy pizza pepperoni, pre-fry or bake the slices in a dry pan until slightly curled and blot excess oil before adding to your pizza.

Best Substitutes

Salami

Ratio 1:1

Chorizo

- spicier
Ratio 1:1

Italian Sausage

cooked, crumbled
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose pepperoni that's firm to the touch with a deep red color and even marbling.

Recipes Using Pepperoni

Main Dish Main Ingredient Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains

Pepperoni Rigatoni

Experience a flavor explosion with this cheesy, saucy Pepperoni Rigatoni! This comforting Italian-American classic is baked to perfection, creating a bubbly, golden-brown top. Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce – pure comfort food heaven!

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Cuisine Time To Make Italian Main Dish

Egg Cellent Noodles

Conquer your hunger without breaking the bank! This Egg-Cellent Noodles recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy baked pasta dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun, budget-friendly challenge. Creamy eggs, savory pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese create a flavor explosion that's hard to resist. Get ready to impress your taste buds (and your wallet!).

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Low In Something Low Carb Time To Make Number Of Servings

Baked Pepperoni Pizza Dip

This insanely cheesy and easy baked pepperoni pizza dip is the perfect appetizer or game-day snack! Made with creamy cream cheese, zesty pizza sauce (use your favorite, or try our recipe #65641!), and tons of pepperoni, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion with every bite! Crispy pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan – pure cheesy heaven!

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5 Ingredients Or Less High In Something Preparation For 1 Or 2

Bagel Pizza

This 5-minute bagel pizza is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying lunch or snack! Transform a simple bagel into a cheesy, meaty masterpiece with this unbelievably fast recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something delicious without the fuss.

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North American Easy 15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something

Arugula Pepperoni Salad

A zesty and flavorful arugula salad featuring spicy pepperoni, crunchy pecans, and a homemade honey-mustard dressing. This quick and easy recipe from Hormel Foods is absolutely fabulous! Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.

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Cheese Brown Bag 5 Ingredients Or Less Time To Make

1 Minute Stromboli

Craving stromboli but short on time? This recipe transforms leftover ingredients into a quick and delicious microwaveable snack! Perfect for busy mornings or a satisfying late-night treat. Get ready to enjoy warm, cheesy goodness in under 2 minutes!

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15 Minutes Or Less Preparation Greens Time To Make

Pizza Style Tossed Salad

Craving pizza but want something lighter? This vibrant Pizza Style Tossed Salad delivers all the pizza flavor you love in a refreshing, ready-in-minutes salad! Packed with pepperoni, mozzarella, and olives, this easy recipe uses convenient pre-packaged ingredients for minimal prep time. Simply toss everything together, and you've got a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. Serve with warm breadsticks for the ultimate pizza-inspired experience!

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Side Dishes Salads Pasta Time To Make

Antipasto Rotini Pasta Salad

This crowd-pleasing Antipasto Rotini Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or busy weeknights, this recipe is so popular, it's always devoured. Get ready to experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, vibrant vegetables, salty olives, and tangy cheeses – all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Make a big batch – it disappears fast!

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30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta

Aunt B's Pasta Salad

This incredibly easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser perfect as a side dish or a light meal! Always a hit at cookouts, this recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. Customize it with your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Get ready for requests for this family favorite!

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Meat Main Dish Meat Dietary

30 Minute Cheesy Baked Ravioli

One-pan wonder! This 30-Minute Cheesy Baked Ravioli recipe is the ultimate weeknight meal solution. No fuss, no mess, just cheesy, delicious ravioli baked to perfection. Perfect for busy families, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying dinner in under 35 minutes!

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Beef Course Vegetables Meat

Beef With Cannellini Beans

Discover this hearty and delicious Beef with Cannellini Bean recipe, inspired by a classic Italian cookbook. Tender beef, savory sausage, and creamy cannellini beans simmer in a rich tomato and wine sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, served with rice or crusty bread to soak up every last drop! This recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour.

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30 Minutes Or Less Pizza Brunch Occasion

Baked Pizza Burgers

Transform ordinary hamburger buns into cheesy, pizza-flavored delights with this easy Baked Pizza Burger recipe! Kids will love the simple, fun twist on pizza and burgers. Customize your creation with favorite meats and veggies – pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, peppers, and Canadian bacon are just the beginning for adults! This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.

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Easy Italian Main Ingredient Pork

Abruzzi Bread

Craving authentic Italian flavors? This Abruzzi-Style Stuffed Pizza Bread recipe recreates a beloved dish from our favorite local restaurant. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of perfectly baked pizza dough enveloping a delicious heart of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, Italian sausage, and spinach. Easy to make and even easier to devour!

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Lunch Main Ingredient Cheese Eggs Dairy

10 Minute Calzones

Conquer weeknight dinner in a flash with these 10-Minute Calzones! Inspired by Real Simple's genius 'fake it, don't make it' philosophy, this recipe uses ready-made dough for a super-fast, incredibly delicious meal. Perfect for busy families, these cheesy, flavorful calzones are ready in under 45 minutes – including prep time! Pair with a pre-made salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Savory Comfort Food Preparation Kid Friendly

Best Pizza Dip

This unbelievably yummy pizza dip is a game-changer! I've tried countless pizza dips, but always felt something was missing. That inspired me to create this perfect recipe. Enjoy it as a satisfying dinner for four, served with toasted baguette slices, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for twelve. Customize it with your favorite protein – pepperoni, beef, sausage – or keep it veggie! Prepare to be amazed.

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Salads Course Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Antipasto Salad Stack

A vibrant and delicious Italian antipasto salad, perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or potluck! This layered masterpiece from our '100 Best Italian Recipes' collection features perfectly cooked pasta, savory pepperoni, juicy tomatoes, and a medley of olives and beans, all tossed in a zesty dressing and topped with crisp lettuce. Prepare to impress!

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Side Dishes Occasion Salads Seasonal

Minestrone Salad

This vibrant Minestrone Salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for your next cookout, potluck, or BBQ! Inspired by a Pillsbury Get-Togethers recipe, this fresh and light salad is packed with protein and flavor. Farfalle pasta, red kidney beans, and zesty pepperoni create a delightful combination that's as satisfying as a meal or a delicious side dish. Serve it chilled for ultimate convenience – prepare it ahead of time and transport it effortlessly to any gathering. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Occasion Lunch Preparation Time To Make

Amy's Pizza Dip

This crowd-pleasing pizza dip recipe, passed down from my sister-in-law, is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike! Customize it to your liking – add your favorite veggies, meats, or cheeses. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this warm and cheesy dip is perfect for game night, parties, or a fun family dinner. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or breadsticks for the ultimate dipping experience!

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