Pepperoni originated from Italian immigrants in America, developing into a unique spicy sausage. With origins tracing to the late 1800s, pepperoni combines pork and beef mixed with peppers, garlic, fennel and paprika. It boasts a signature taste that is mildly spicy yet hearty from real meat including pork and beef.
It brings a bold fiery flair to dishes while remaining America’s favorite pizza topping, ordered on over 35% of pies. Its blend of paprika, red peppers and secret spices impart complexity revealed through cooking. As a result, it greatly enhances the aroma and savor of meals from pizza to pasta sauce.
How To Select
It is best to choose pepperoni that is not faded or discolored, indicating it has been sitting on the shelf for an extended time. Furthermore, aiming for a vibrant red hue ensures that it is at its peak quality and flavor.
What Goes Well With
Pizza,Pasta dishes,Cheese boards,Grilled cheese sandwiches,Potato skins,Pepperoni cups,Nachos,Mac and cheese.
Pepperoni Recipes
Pepperoni Rolls
Pepperoni rolls consist of pizza dough wrapped around a savory filling of pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, then baked until crisp on the outside yet soft within. Best of all, only a few basic ingredients – pizza dough, pepperoni, cheese, and butter – come together for an easy homemade treat perfect for any occasion.
Whether enjoyed during football games or family meals, pepperoni rolls embody the union of pizza in a convenient handheld form. One can nearly taste the pepperoni pizza experience with each bite of the golden brown spiral. Also, dipping slices in marinara sauce reignites recollection of classic Italian pie.
Pepperoni Chips
For making pepperoni chips you’ll need thinly sliced pepperoni, along with some optional seasonings like dried oregano or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
The preparation is quick and simple. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F or air fryer to the same temperature. This high heat will ensure the pepperoni slices become wonderfully crispy. Next, place the slices on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
For those looking to enhance the pizza taste, feel free to generously sprinkle each pepperoni round with dried oregano at this stage. Then, carefully transfer the pepperoni chips to the preheated oven or air fryer. Bake or air fry for 5-7 minutes in the oven or 2-3 minutes in the air fryer until the edges are beautifully brown.
Pepperoni Bread
Pepperoni bread is a savory baked treat made with pizza dough,egg, pepperoni, and cheese.
To begin, preheat the oven to 375°F. Then, roll out the thawed pizza dough into a rectangular shape on a clean surface. After, layer pepperoni slices and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface of the dough.
Next, sprinkle the topping generously with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Afterwards, tightly roll up the dough lengthwise. Place the seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
Furthermore, brush the rolled dough all over with beaten egg for a golden sheen. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is a classic Italian dish loved by many. It starts with a simple homemade pizza dough rolled out into a flat round. Next, a hearty layer of pizza sauce is spread evenly over the surface.
Following this, mozzarella cheese is scattered so it fully covers the saucy base. Then, slices of pepperoni are arranged neatly atop the melting cheese. At this stage, the pizza is ready for the oven.
Baking transforms the ingredient-packed pie into a gooey, bubbling masterpiece.
Homemade Pepperoni Dip
To begin, preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare the cheese blend. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan using a hand mixer. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices into the creamy mixture. Once homogeneous, transfer the dip into a baking dish.
Afterwards, top with the remaining Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the heat to thoroughly melt and bubble the cheeses.
Finally, once cooked, the hot Pepperoni Dip is ready to be enjoyed!