{"id":4800,"date":"2023-11-09T13:57:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T21:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/?p=4800"},"modified":"2024-07-16T12:42:59","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T19:42:59","slug":"best-pepperoni-for-pizza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/article\/best-pepperoni-for-pizza\/","title":{"rendered":"We Found the Best Pepperoni for Pizza"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pepperoni is the best pizza topping, and I don\u2019t think that\u2019s really up for debate. Pepperoni pizza<\/a> stands alongside legends like chicken parm and spaghetti and meatballs as one of the greatest culinary classics Italian-American immigrants have bestowed upon the U.S. Grazie, Italy! We love pepperoni pizza, but not with just any ol\u2019 pepperoni. We believe the best pepperoni for pizza is greasy, meaty, and spicy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of two taste tests, we tried\u00a0nearly 30 different types of pepperoni. We cooked them on frozen cheese pizza<\/a> and we also tried them raw for a side-by-side comparison\u2014because not all pepperoni is for pizza. Some pepperoni is equally at home on a charcuterie board or simply enjoyed as a snack. So, how did we determine the best? We looked for a meaty, spicy flavor. There should also be some pronounced kick<\/em>, and\u2014this is controversial\u2014but it should taste like beef or pork or something<\/em> other than a salty, homogenous meat-like mixture. Pepperoni is also great when it curls up and holds a little grease, so we looked for some pepperoni cups action, too. Here\u2019s the best pepperoni for pizza and snacking, including turkey pepperoni, beef pepperoni, extra spicy pepperoni, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>\"Private
\n

Best Turkey Pepperoni<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Private Selection Old World Turkey Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Instacart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

We tried a few different turkey pepperoni brands and most of them didn\u2019t taste like much. But this thick cut pepperoni has a good, meaty flavor and spice that comes through as flavor rather than heat. It\u2019s a bit too thick to really work on pizza, to be honest, but it\u2019s a great snacking turkey pepperoni for a charcuterie board. If you\u2019re craving pepperoni but aren\u2019t interested in eating mammals, this is the turkey pepperoni for you. \u2014 Justine Sterling\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Liv Averett \/ Instacart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

6\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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\n
<\/span>\"Hormel
\n

Best Spicy Pepperoni<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hormel Hot & Spicy Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Walmart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

If you\u2019re looking for an extra kick of heat on your \u2018za, this could be the best spicy pepperoni for you. It\u2019s not ghost pepper hot\u2014this isn\u2019t Hot Ones<\/em> level heat. But it definitely has more of a burn than any of the other pepperoni we tried. Cooked on pizza, it\u2019s super duper savory and oily. The spice builds and builds. So, your first bite might be practically mild but just wait. That heat will catch up to you. \u2014 Justine Sterling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Liv Averett \/ Walmart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

6.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Foustman\u2019s
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Best Artisanal<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Foustman\u2019s Artisanal Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

This pepperoni is pricey, but it\u2019s so good it deserves a spot on the best pepperoni for pizza list. The flavor is perfect; there\u2019s a great beef and pork taste. There isn\u2019t a ton of spice, but it\u2019s got that high-quality, homemade pepperoni thing going on (Foustman\u2019s is a family business that doesn\u2019t use nitrates). Just make sure to peel off the inedible casing! The mild flavor and thick, meaty texture of this pepperoni will play great on a meat lover’s pizza. It\u2019s pretty expensive ($15 for one stick), but if you have the cash to burn, do it. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Amazon<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Pepperoni
\n

Best for Sandwiches<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pepperoni Prima Della<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Walmart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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You can get this pork and beef pepperoni sliced to order at the deli. It\u2019s big (about the size of my palm), so go thin. Absolutely cover a pizza with the large slices, or use it as a sandwich pepperoni (that\u2019s how it\u2019s labeled, anyhow). It has a really nice blend of spices, with prominent fennel seed flavor. It straddles the line between salami and pepperoni. Pile these pepperoni slices onto an Italian sub or a pizza sandwich (that\u2019s a sandwich with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese<\/a>, and tomato sauce<\/a>, run through the broiler\u2014try it). \u2014 Justine Sterling \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Liv Averett \/ Walmart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Applegate
\n

Best Salty<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Applegate Naturals Pork & Beef Uncured Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

These small pepperoni cups crisp up nicely. The salt factor is strong, so this pepperoni will add great seasoning to any pizza. The flavor is complex, too. Some notable Applegate pepperoni ingredients listed are rosemary, paprika, cherry powder, celery powder, lime juice, and granulated garlic. You can really taste the depth of flavor, and it\u2019s refreshing. Applegate does good deli meats and that extends to making some of the best pepperoni for pizza. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Amazon<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Margherita
\n

Best Herbs<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Margherita Thick Sliced Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Walmart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

This is the best pepperoni if you want a ton of herbs in the mix. You can for sure taste some oregano or parsley, although it\u2019s not explicitly listed in the ingredients. Margherita pepperoni is also a good cupping pepperoni\u2014we love pepperoni cups\u2014and it\u2019s got a pleasantly mild taste. That\u2019s not what I\u2019m<\/em> looking for (I want pepperoni with a strong bite), but if you\u2019re cooking for a kid or can\u2019t handle spice, this is the best pepperoni for pizza in your home. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarah Demonteverde \/ Walmart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n
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<\/span>\"Hormel
\n

Best Cupping Pepperoni<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hormel Pepperoni Cup N\u2019 Crisp<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Target<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Hormel\u2019s Cup N\u2019 Crisp pepperoni promise to become pepperoni cups, and they fulfill that promise with flare. Even uncooked, these pepperoni are pretty dang tasty\u2014they\u2019re seasoned with lots of herbs for a complex flavor. But they really shine once they\u2019re hit with heat. They cup up just like the cupping pepperoni at an NYC pizza parlor. If all you care about is covering your pizza with lots of little pepperoni cups, this is the best pepperoni for you. \u2014 Justine Sterling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Liv Averett \/ Target<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Hormel
\n

Best Budget<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hormel Original Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Walmart<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Instacart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I didn\u2019t really expect much out of Hormel, but this was a pleasant surprise. Hormel Original Pepperoni has a lot of fat and a lot of salt. It\u2019s hard to argue with the flavor. The quality isn\u2019t artisanal, but then again, it\u2019s not trying to be. Sure, it\u2019s processed, but it\u2019s cheap and it tastes better than most of the other pepperoni in this price range. Also, it makes me think of cafeteria-style sheet-tray pizza, which I have an affinity for. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Instacart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

7.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Private
\n

Best Thin Pepperoni <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Private Selection Old World Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Ralphs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Private Selection Old World Pepperoni is salted really well, and it\u2019s got the classic paprika kick you expect from pepperoni. It\u2019s on the thinner side, so if you like thin pepperoni these are the best pepperoni slices for you. That thinness also means that the pepperoni crisps up nicely in the oven. If you want a little crunch from your pepp (almost like crispy bacon<\/a>), I\u2019d go with this one. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Ralphs<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

8.5\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Boar\u2019s
\n

Best Pepperoni Stick<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Boar\u2019s Head Natural Casing Traditional Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Instacart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The real selling point for a stick of pepperoni is that you\u2019re in the driver\u2019s seat in terms of thickness. Cut it as thick or thin as you like. This particular stick of pepperoni has a natural casing, too, so there\u2019s an enjoyable snap when you bite into it. The ingredients listed are the same as Boar\u2019s Head pre-sliced pepperoni, but to me this one tastes bolder, and therefore better. It\u2019s not quite as convenient for pizza as the pre-sliced Boar\u2019s Head pepperoni, so it\u2019s a dead heat for these two. Both earned a solid score of 9. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Instacart<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

9\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>\"Boar\u2019s
\n

Best Widely Available<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Boar\u2019s Head Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Instacart<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Boar\u2019s Head Pepperoni is a great product that\u2019s available nearly everywhere, and therefore is the\u00a0 best pepperoni for pizza that\u2019s easily attainable. It\u2019s also a little cheaper than Battistoni (our number one pick, spoilers), and although it\u2019s not quite as good, it still packs a great pepperoni punch. It\u2019s a pork and beef pepperoni that\u2019s full of fat, so if you like your pepperoni pizza a tad greasy, this will do the trick. It\u2019s also got a great bold flavor and the meat itself feels<\/em> like actual meat versus a cheap, chewy mixture shaped into a flimsy circle. These spiced meat discs rip apart like good meat should. Boar\u2019s Head makes some of the best pepperoni, and the pre-sliced option is just too convenient and good to pass up. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah Demonteverde \/ Amazon<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

9\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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\n
<\/span>\"Battistoni
\n

Best of the Best<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Battistoni Cup & Char Style Pepperoni<\/strong><\/dt>\n\n\n\n
\n
Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Unanimous, perfect score pepperoni right here. Definitely the best pepperoni for pizza. Not sure how you could improve upon Battistoni Cup & Char. The flavor is flat-out spectacular. These spicy, porky, and fatty little slices of pepperoni are highly snackable whether they\u2019re raw or cooked. However, they create perfect pepperoni cups on pizza, so you can really layer every square inch of pie with little pepperoni cups like a good New York slice. Battistoni is both artisanal and affordable, landing it in that rare sweet spot where food shines brightest. It doesn\u2019t get better than this. \u2014 Danny Palumbo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Credit: Sarah\/Demonteverde \/ Amazon<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n\n\n\n

Rating:<\/p>

10\/10<\/p>

Sporks<\/p><\/div>

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Other Products We Tried: <\/strong>Mama Cozzi’s, Simm’s Thick Cut Pepperoni, Great Value Original Pepperoni, Gallo Salame Pepperoni, Mama Mary’s Pepperoni, Kroger Sliced Pepperoni, Signature Select Original Sliced Pepperoni, Primo Taglio Uncured Pepperoni, Dietz & Watson Premier Pepperoni, 365 Mini Pepperoni, Margherita Pepperoni Slices, Kroger Turkey Pepperoni, Hormel Turkey Pepperoni, Bridgford Turkey Pepperoni, Applegate Turkey Uncured Pepperoni, Hormel Pepperoni Minis (these are great mini pepperoni for novelty sake but just didn\u2019t taste good enough to make the list!), Great Value Sliced Pepperoni Dry-Cured<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pepperoni is best when it\u2019s thick, greasy, meaty, and spicy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4831,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[77,2,49],"tags":[],"articletype":[46],"coauthors":[387,398],"class_list":["post-4800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-deli-dairy","category-deli","category-meat","articletype-rankings"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/BEST-PEPPERONI-FOR-PIZZA-RANKING_DANNY-PALUMBO_SPORKED_HEADER.jpg","posts_featured":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4800"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4800\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37892,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4800\/revisions\/37892"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4800"},{"taxonomy":"articletype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articletype?post=4800"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sporked.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=4800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}