It is difficult to talk about pizza without bringing up pepperoni. So if you have ever wondered about the best pepperoni for pizza, you have come to the right place. This article lists the best-selling pepperonis you can use for your next pizza baking session.
When I think about my favorite pizza toppings, the first one that comes into mind is pepperoni. This popular meat introduces a salty flavor to the pizza, which complements the sauce and cheese. I don’t need to explain it to you.
With so many styles of pepperoni available, choosing a product that’s different from the usual pepperoni you eat can be emotionally challenging. We are creatures of habit. Most of us tend to eat the same things over and over, out of convenience and familiarity. Many of us grew up eating big chain delivery pizza and simply got used to certain pepperoni styles.
Let me help you try new things! Below are some of the best pepperonis for pizza that you can purchase online or in the grocery store. I listed the pros and cons and why each made the cut. You’ll see some oldies but goodies and perhaps some new brands you haven’t tried.
I also answered some frequently asked questions about pepperoni on pizza, in case you want to know about storage and flavor pairings.
Meet your new favorite pepperoni…
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor’s Pick  |
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Best Roni Cup Pepperoni  |
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Best Spicy Pepperoni  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Uncured Pepperoni  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
What is Pepperoni?
Before I jump into my top picks, I would first like to discuss pepperoni, in case you are wondering what it is.
Pepperoni refers to Italian sausages that often come in thin slices. It offers a slightly spicy and salty flavor that can complement the tomato sauce and pizza dough.
Meanwhile, the texture of pepperoni is somewhat chewy. It goes well with a thin crispy crust. However, pepperoni sausage can also provide a crunch when you toast it.
As for its look, pepperoni has a red color with golden-brown crust edges. Together with its circular shape, it stands out from the pizza crust. Hence, it can change the presentation of your pizza dish.
However, it is essential to know that not all pepperoni is the same. There are several varieties of this popular pizza topping, and each one offers unique flavors and textures.
7 Best Pepperoni Toppings for Pizza
Here are my favorite pepperoni toppings on the market today! Each one offers a distinct meaty flavor to enhance the pizza sauce and crust.
1. Hormel Original Pepperoni – Editor’s Pick
The first product on this list of the best pepperoni toppings is the Hormel Original Pepperoni.
It features a six-ounce pouch that includes pork and beef pepperoni. It contains 140 calories, with five grams of protein per serving.
Additionally, this popular pizza topping is already divided into small bite-sized portions. Hence, it is ideal for putting on top of a homemade pizza or eating as snacks. The pepperoni is also versatile enough and tastes great inside sandwiches or filling out your salads.
Furthermore, this beef and pork pepperoni features a signature blend of spices. It offers a zesty taste that you cannot get enough of.
On top of all these benefits, most customers like the Hormel Original Pepperoni. If there is any critique, it would be the texture, which can be relatively dry. A few users also complained about receiving pepperoni that was close to expiring.
But as you can tell, the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, I picked the Hormel Original as the best pepperoni for pizza.
Pros:
- The small bite-sized portions are ideal for snacking
- It offers versatility that makes it ideal for pizzas, sandwiches, and salads
- It uses beef, pork, and other spices to achieve a zesty taste
- This pepperoni has a five-gram protein content per serving
Cons:
- The meat has a dry texture
- A few users received pepperoni that was close to its expiry date.
2. Hormel Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp Original – Best Roni Cup Pepperoni
The Hormel Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp Original is another must-try pepperoni for pizza.
This premium pepperoni offers a unique style or cut known as “roni cup” or “cup-and-char.” It has long been an iconic pizza topping in Buffalo and other parts of the Midwest. However, it is also starting to take over New York City.
Additionally, the Hormel Cup-and-Char Pepperoni allows the sausages to curl around the edges and grease to collect at the center. Thus, it can offer fatty goodness that every carnivore will surely appreciate.
Furthermore, the different take on the flat pepperoni lets you enjoy a unique pizza experience. This cupped pepperoni can achieve a crispy texture as long as you cook it in extremely hot temperatures.
Finally, the five-ounce pouch offers 15 slices of gluten-free pepperoni. It is safe to eat if you have strict diet restrictions.
Despite these benefits, you must know that this cupped pepperoni has a few downsides. First, it requires you to peel its skin before eating. It also needs to be stored in the fridge after opening to preserve its freshness.
Nevertheless, the Hormel Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp Original is still among the best pepperonis to try for your pizza.
Pros:
- The unique roni cup pepperoni offers a satisfying crunch to your pizza
- Gluten-free ingredients
- It contains 15 slices of pepperoni to last you for several pizza dishes
- It has fatty goodness that ensures full sausage flavor
Cons:
- It requires you to peel the skin before eating
- You need to refrigerate it after opening the package to ensure freshness
3. Battistoni Cup & Char Spicy Pepperoni – Best Spicy Pepperoni
Do you want to add a spicy kick to your pizza? Then, the Battistoni Cup & Char Spicy Pepperoni might meet your needs.
It offers a bold flavor with a hint of spice. Thus, you can expect a hot kick but nothing too spicy that you cannot handle.
This spicy pepperoni topping also has a unique cut. It pops on your pizza crust into little bacon cups. These can turn crispy when cooked for long periods and introduce a crunch to your pie.
Moreover, this pepperoni is made with pork and beef. It adds a salty flavor that can complement pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other toppings.
Finally, it does not contain any gluten, which makes it safe to eat for those who follow a strict diet.
But before buying this packaged pepperoni, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users said that the pepperoni slices tend to stick to each other, which makes them difficult to separate. Second, a few customers might find the peppery flavor too strong.
Overall, though, the Battistoni Cup & Char Spicy Pepperoni is still worth considering. It is my top pick if you want a beef pepperoni pizza with a smoky flavor.
Pros:
- It uses both pork and beef for meaty goodness
- This pepperoni has a bold flavor with a spicy kick
- The cupped shape offers a crunchy texture to your pizza
- It is gluten-free
Cons:
- The curling pepperoni slices tend to stick to each other, which makes them difficult to separate
- Those who are not a fan of spicy food might find the peppery flavor too strong
4. Hormel Natural Choice Pepperoni – Best Uncured Pepperoni
If you prefer uncured pepperoni, consider looking into the Hormel Natural Choice Pepperoni.
It offers 100% natural pepperoni that has undergone minimal processing. It does not contain artificial ingredients and nitrates, except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery juice powder. Thus, this pepperoni allows the beefy organic flavor to come through.
Additionally, this natural pepperoni already comes in thick and meaty slices. It is ready to eat as a tasty Italian snack or added to the pizza as a delicious topping.
Furthermore, it contains five grams of protein. Meanwhile, it has 150 calories per serving. It allows you to use it on several pizza or sandwich dishes.
However, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this unprocessed pepperoni. First, some customers complained about the slices being too greasy after baking. Second, a few users also mentioned that the taste was bland due to the lack of flavoring.
Nevertheless, the Hormel Natural Choice Pepperoni is among the best uncured pepperoni toppings you can buy today.
Pros:
- 100% natural pepperoni is minimally processed for a healthy treat
- No added nitrates, except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery juice powder
- It offers thick and meaty slices, which make them ideal as pizza toppings or snacks
- A natural beefy flavor without using artificial ingredients
Cons:
- Some users said that the pepperoni slices were very greasy after cooking
- The taste might be bland due to the lack of flavoring
5. Applegate Natural Uncured Pork & Beef Pepperoni
Those who like uncured pepperoni but need something dairy-free might want to consider the Applegate Natural Uncured Pork & Beef Pepperoni.
This one offers uncured pork and beef pepperoni similar to the Hormel Natural Pepperoni. It does not use any artificial or GMO ingredients. Thus, it has a natural meaty flavor that can complement pepperoni pizza sauce, crust, and other toppings.
There are also no chemical nitrites added to the meat. Moreover, the lack of antibiotics or added hormones proves it was humanely raised.
On top of all these benefits, this natural pepperoni is both gluten-free and dairy-free. It is safe to eat for those who follow a strict diet.
However, it is still best to check the downsides of this gluten-free pepperoni topping. First, it was relatively expensive, especially considering its four-ounce weight. Second, a few customers did not like the pepperoni flavor.
With that said, the Applegate Natural Uncured Pork & Beef Pepperoni is still one of the best pizza toppings you can buy today.
Pros:
- A natural uncured pork and beef pepperoni can offer authentic flavors
- It does not contain antibiotics, added hormones, and other artificial ingredients
- The meat was humanely raised
- This packaged pepperoni is both gluten-free and dairy-free
Cons:
- Relatively expensive pepperoni topping
- A few users did not like the flavor
6. Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
The Hormel Turkey Pepperoni is another delicious pizza topping to try on your next baking session.
It features miniature slices of pepperoni made with dark turkey meat. It contains 70% less fat than regular beef or pork pepperoni. Thus, it is a healthier alternative to these meaty pizza toppings.
Additionally, this Hormel Pepperoni uses a signature blend of spices. It offers a zesty punch that goes well with the pizza crust and sauce. It also tastes great inside sandwiches or as salad filling.
Furthermore, this turkey-flavored pepperoni only has 70 calories. Meanwhile, the nine grams of protein per serving can meet your daily dietary requirements.
However, some customers said the pepperoni slices were too thin and easily burnt. A few users also noticed a foul smell from the packaging.
Nevertheless, the Hormel Turkey Pepperoni is still worth looking into. It offers a unique flavor that can satisfy your cravings for something new.
Pros:
- It uses dark turkey meat and a signature blend of spices
- It has 70% less fat content to ensure a healthier alternative
- This pepperoni pairs well with pizza, sandwiches, or salads
- It offers nine grams of protein per serving
Cons:
- The slices were too thin, which easily got burnt
- A few users noticed a foul smell from the pepperoni
7. Dietz & Watson Pepperoni
The Dietz & Watson Pepperoni is the last item on this list of the best pepperoni toppings for pizza.
It uses hand-trimmed and top-quality pork combined with natural seasonings. This regular pepperoni offers a salty and meaty flavor to the pizza, which can enhance the pizza sauce and crust.
It is also perfect for serving on charcuterie boards with wine or as snacks when hosting a party.
Moreover, this pork pepperoni does not contain any gluten, milk, and soy. It is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant and have celiac disease.
Finally, it does not use any trans fat, which makes it safe and healthy for children.
However, some customers said that the flavor was bland. A few users also noticed that it quickly got molds, even after putting it inside the refrigerator.
Overall, though, the Dietz & Watson Pepperoni is still one of the best pepperonis available today.
Pros:
- It offers hand-trimmed pork with natural seasonings
- The pepperoni has a meaty flavor
- It does not contain any gluten, milk, and soy
- No trans fat makes it healthy to eat
Cons:
- The flavor was relatively bland
- A few users said the pepperoni quickly got moldy, even when they put it inside the refrigerator
How to Choose the Best Pepperoni for Pizza
Before buying the best pepperoni for pizza, it is best to consider the following key factors. Doing so will help you make the right purchasing decision.
Type of Meat
Pepperoni sausages come in different types of meat. It is up to you to choose which one you prefer to eat, depending on your diet.
Pork is the most popular pepperoni meat used in the United States. But it is often combined with beef to differentiate it from salami, which refers to pure pork sausage.
Another meat used for pepperoni is beef. Also known as Halal pepperoni, it is popular among Muslims and Jews since they do not consume pork.
Furthermore, pepperoni is also available in turkey meat. It is a healthier alternative to both pork and beef pepperoni since it contains fewer calories and fats.
Finally, venison pepperoni also exists for people who prefer eating deer meat. However, this pepperoni version is extremely difficult to find.
Thickness
The thickness of the pepperoni is another essential factor to bear in mind before finalizing your purchasing decision. It determines the appearance of the meat as well as its texture once cooked.
If you want to enjoy crunchy pepperoni toppings, go for thinner slices. But if you prefer a mouthful experience, you can opt for thicker slices. These also offer a meatier taste, complementing the pizza sauce and crust.
However, thicker slices tend to be more expensive than thin pepperonis.
Style or Cut
Besides the meat type and thickness, you also have to consider the way the pepperoni is presented. It offers different pork styles or cuts.
The most common one is the flat pepperoni. It has the original shape of the topping that most people know and love. But since it lays flat, it does not hold any excess grease that adds more exquisite flavor to the meat. With that said, it is still delicious.
Another popular pepperoni style is the cup char. It curls after heating the pizza, which can hold all creamy additions on the pizza. Thus, this cupped pepperoni provides a meatier and oilier taste.
There are also cubed or diced pepperonis now available on grocery store shelves. These are easy to use on pizza, sandwiches, salads, and egg breakfast meals.
Finally, pepperoni comes in the sticks, which you can cut into even slices. They are also ready for picking and munching, ideal for snacks.
Amount of Fat
The last factor to consider before buying a pepperoni topping is its fat content.
Sure, fat is what makes the meat delicious. However, too much of it is not healthy, especially if you already have pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Thus, you might want to consider products with low-fat content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of pepperoni for pizzas?
There are different types of pepperoni for pizza, each with its pros and cons. I will discuss them in detail below.
The most common way to differentiate a pepperoni slice from another is its meat type. Pork, beef, turkey, and venison are standard options. However, beef and pork are among the most popular ones.
Besides meat type, pepperoni is also classified into either American-style pepperoni or a traditional pepperoni.
The former is also known as the regular pepperoni. It is easy to slice and get consistent thickness due to the evenly distributed meat. It also appears orange in color. However, it only offers a mild flavor.
Meanwhile, the traditional or old world pepperoni is more challenging to slice evenly. That is because the pepperoni curls as you cut it. As for its color, it is usually dark or bright red. Finally, it usually offers a spicy flavor, making it ideal for those who love spicy pizza.
What toppings go best with pepperoni on pizza?
Pepperoni is among the most popular pizza toppings today, and for good reasons. It goes well with almost any cheese, whether mozzarella, cheddar, goat, or parmesan.
Besides cheese, pepperoni can also complement pepperoni pizza. These include bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, pineapple, and even other meaty toppings.
Overall, pepperoni offers unmatched versatility, allowing you to pair it with various toppings.
Can you refrigerate pepperoni?
Yes, you can put pepperoni in the refrigerator. In fact, it is recommended to do so after opening a pack of pepperoni to preserve its quality. Avoid leaving it on the counter to prevent spoilt products and molds.
Conclusion
There you have it—my top picks for the best pepperoni for your pizza! I highly recommend each product, as it can introduce a salty and meaty flavor to elevate your pizza experience.
But if I can only suggest one product, I chose the Hormel Original Pepperoni. It uses both pork and beef blend to offer a distinct smoky flavor. It also comes in small bite-sized portions that make for a perfect snack or pizza topping. Furthermore, this pepperoni tastes great inside sandwiches or when filling out your salads. Finally, it features a signature blend of spices to ensure a zesty taste that you cannot get enough of.
