Chances are you love pepperoni pizza as much as I do. Not only that, but you likely have a specific pepperoni brand that you always run to or that your favorite pizzeria uses. For whatever reason, though, not all sliced pepperoni is created equal and can even differ significantly between one pizzeria and another.
Researching which good sliced pepperoni will work best, knowing how its made, and, of course, the cost of it is very important so that your pizza will boast the highest grade pepperoni available.
To ensure that your pepperoni is the best high-grade topping that you expect, there are some questions that you need answered. Then you can be assured that the sliced pepperoni you chose will be the best.
| Best Quality Pepperoni Brands | Why We Like It |
|---|---|
| 1. Battistoni Cup and Char Style Spicy Pepperoni | edges get nice and crispy on pizza |
| 2. Gallo Salami Deli Sliced Pepperoni | Gallo is a high end, spicy pepperoni |
| 3. Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni | natural casing and delicious taste |
| 4. DeLallo Sliced Pepperoni | DeLallo gives a zesty, robust flavor |
| 5. Bridgeford Old World Pepperoni Stick | Bridgeford is high-grade pepperoni that works on pizza and sandwiches |
| 6. Boar’s Head Pepperoni Slices | works well in all Italian dishes, like pizza and calzones |
| 7. Margherita VERY BEST TOP RATED Pepperoni Sticks | Margherita is used in lots of pizzerias |
| 8. Hormel Hot & Spicy Pepperoni | hot and spicy kick to pizza |
| 9. Fiorucci Uncured Pepperoni Sliced, 100% Natural, No MSG | Fiorucci offers a unique, smoky taste |
| 10. Applegate, Natural Uncured Turkey Pepperoni | uses turkey for a healthier pepperoni alternative |
| 11. Ohio Trading Margherita Brand VERY BEST Pepperoni HUGE 17 | long sticks can be sliced to any thickness you and your family prefer |
| 12. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Original Pepperoni Slices | delicious aroma and taste |
| 13. Whole Foods/365 Everyday Value, Uncured Pepperoni Slices | this pepperoni is Animal Welfare Certified |
| 14. Midamar Halal All Beef Pepperoni – Sliced | Midamar is an all-beef Halal product |
| 15. DeLallo Short Stick Pepperoni | powerful, flavorful punch |
| 16. Bonici Pepperoni Slices | made with zero by-products |
Sliced Pepperoni that’s Flat or Pepperoni that Cups?
Although people’s tastes differ, everybody still likes to have a delicious-looking, as well as tasting, pepperoni pizza. You just have to decide whether you like your pepperoni to cook flat or like to have your sliced pepperoni to cup as it cooks.
When your sliced pepperoni cooks flat, the oils spill out over the pizza and create a glossy appearance. However, when the sliced pepperoni cups while cooking, the oils of the pepperoni gets caught in the slices. Both types of pepperoni can instantly change the overall taste of your pepperoni pizza from worst to best.
You might have noticed that a great pizza from a top pizzeria will almost always include cupping. Even many pizzeria owners aren’t even sure why some pepperoni cups, much less are able to perfect that cooking process completely.
However, top pepperoni connoisseurs know it is due to the thickness of the pepperoni slice that causes cupping. A medium sized slice of pepperoni usually allows for cupping, especially if it also is made with a natural casing or one made of collagen.
When the pepperoni for topping pizza is overly thick or, conversely, not thick enough, and/or has the casing removed, then those slices will remain flat during cooking.. The best way to determine whether the pepperoni you use most often cups or does not is by doing a test of several styles.
Pepperoni Thickness Matters
Besides your pepperoni’s tendency toward cupping, your natural pepperoni’s thickness also plays a pivotal role in the presentation of your pizza.
Using natural pepperoni slices for topping that are thin creates a crisping that gives the meat a crunchy consistency, while thick pepperoni will generally result in a chewy texture.
Thick pieces of natural pepperoni can easily increase the cost of your pie. Luckily, many pepperoni companies have begun to provide different options and customizations to meet the needs of consumers.
However, when you have the necessary tools, then you will be better off slicing natural pepperoni yourself for the best results. This is a great way to test how thick you like the slices while also giving you the flexibility of slicing the pepperoni to your and your family’s personal preferences.
Amount of fat in Pepperoni
The amount of grease in pepperoni is not always easy to determine. Too little fat can cause the meat to become dry, without the delicious juices incorporating into the pizza. Having too much, though, can cause the pepperoni to cook into a tiny, greasy puddle.
Of course, you may save a few dollars by purchasing pepperoni with a higher fat content, but when it’s time for the presentation of your pepperoni pizza, others may look at it with distaste. The key is to test and ensure the right range of grease and content.
Pepperoni having a 40% fat content is perfect; it will cook perfectly on your pizza pie with no problems.
Now that you know the basics of great pepperoni, let’s take a look at a few of this year’s brands that continue to provide the best pepperoni for pizza and that incorporate all the above characteristics.
In a hurry? This is the pepperoni we like best from Amazon.
1. Battistoni Cup and Char Style Spicy Pepperoni
This Italian pepperoni is made in a manner long used throughout New York and Brooklyn pizzeria joints. It combines a casing of collagen that causes the pepperoni to cup instantly, retaining its delicious juices while the borders become nice and crispy.
2. Gallo Salami Deli Sliced Pepperoni
Although definitely on the high-end of prices for pizza toppings, he Gallo Salami deli-sliced natural pepperoni is to die for, with all the spices everyone comes to expect as well as a nice addition of crushed red pepper. This makes it a very high-grade beef and pork pepperoni.
3. Boar’s Head Natural Casing Pepperoni
This delicious natural pepperoni combines a rich mix of spices, beef, and pork which is cured in a casing that’s both natural and edible. The casing method used by Boar’s Head is always in line with time-honored practices seen throughout Italian cooking.
4. DeLallo Sliced Pepperoni
This sliced pepperoni from DeLallo is a zesty favorite among many Italian-Americans. This pepperoni is bursting with Italian goodness that is beyond savory and robust. When you have a home-style pepperoni made authentically, you know you will have a delicious pepperoni that even an Italian would love.
5. Bridgeford Old World Pepperoni Stick
If you want a premium brand of pepperoni, then do not look any further. Bridgeford is proud to offer their highest grade pepperoni that no other can compare to when it comes to taste. You can use it in a multitude of dishes such as sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, or salads.
6. Boar’s Head Pepperoni Slices
With Boar’s Head pepperoni slices, you get an incredible pepperoni that combines many spicy ingredients, beef, and pork, all cured inside a casing that is natural and edible. Boar’s Head brand pepperoni is perfect for any type of Italian dish that you wish to whip up, including strombolis, calzones, pizza, pinwheels, or sandwiches.
7. Margherita VERY BEST TOP RATED Pepperoni Sticks
With Margherita, you are getting the best pepperoni on offer. Their 4-pack is highly sought after by many individuals and pizzeria places alike. The Margherita pepperonis are held in high regard throughout the northeast of America and once you taste their sweet, spicy flavors, you’ll know why the perfectly-seasoned Margherita pepperoni sticks have been around for so long.
8. Hormel Hot & Spicy Pepperoni
With the Hormel Hot & Spicy, you have a pizza topping that is always going to provide a nice spicy kick to your pizza. Whether you decide to utilize it as a topping or have other plans in mind, each Hormel slice is able to garner all the spiciness that you can think should come from a Hormel.
9. Fiorucci Uncured Pepperoni Sliced, 100% Natural, No MSG
This uncured pepperoni from Fiorucci uses an old Italian recipe to bring together the rich, smoky taste that forms its uniqueness. It is perfect for any dining experience, and perfect for a pizzeria or other commercial use as well as for making your own homemade pizzas.
10. Bridgford Sliced Turkey Pepperoni
Looking for a delicious, convenient, and healthy option for your next meal? Look no further than Bridgford Sliced Turkey Pepperoni. Our turkey pepperoni is made with lean turkey meat and seasoned with a blend of spices for a flavor that everyone will love. It’s perfect for topping your favorite pizza or enjoying as a snack. Plus, it’s a good source of protein and only has 4 grams of fat per serving. So go ahead and indulge in our delicious turkey pepperoni – your taste buds will thank you.
It’s gluten-free and has no artificial flavors, so you can feel good about eating it.
Why should I buy this ?
If you’re looking for a delicious, flavorful pepperoni that will elevate your next pizza or pasta dish, look no further than Bridgford Sliced Turkey Pepperoni. This pepperoni has a perfect balance of spice and savoriness that will take your dish to the next level. Plus, it’s lower in fat and calories than traditional pork pepperoni.
Comparison from other pepperoni
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni is a similar type of pepperoni with an extraordinary test. You can enjoy fatless pizza with this Hormel turkey. Because it has 70% less fat from Hormel’s original pepperoni.
On the other hand, Bridgford Sliced Pepperoni is a MULTI-PURPOSE high quality product. Which has no competition.
Features
- Made in turkey Pepperoni
- Suitable and awesome for sandwiches, snacks or party platters
- Gluten-free
- Made in the U.S.A.
PROS
- A great way to add some flavor to your food.
- Get some protein into your diet.
- Increase the flavor of your snacks.
- protein to your meals.
- Adding extra flavor to your cooking.
Cons
Little expensive
Final verdicts
Overall, though, Bridgford Sliced Turkey Pepperoni is a decent option for those looking for a tasty, little expensive pepperoni.
11. Ohio Trading Margherita Brand VERY BEST Pepperoni HUGE 17″ Sticks
The Ohio Trading Margherita brand is known worldwide and has become one of the bestselling pepperonis on the market. Each stick is wrapped in a natural casing that is full of deliciousness and only adds to the richness and aroma that it has become known for. The Margherita style is also great to eat alone or a variety of dips.
12. Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Original Pepperoni Slices
As part of the FCV brand, Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Original Pepperoni is sure to bring out the best taste along with delicious aromas that you will smell throughout your kitchen as it cooks. Just one bite of your pizza will instantly tell you that you made the right choice in top brands of pepperoni.
13. Whole Foods/365 Everyday Value, Uncured Pepperoni Slices
Although Whole Foods took over 365 Everyday Value, the products have not changed. This holds true for this uncured pepperoni. Its ingredients and process remain unchanged, which the lovers of this product will be very appreciative of and consider it to be their top choice. Plus, this version of pepperoni is Animal Welfare Certified.
14. Midamar Halal All Beef Pepperoni – Sliced
If you are looking for the best sliced pepperoni made from all beef, then you will be glad to grab a pack from Midamar Halal. Made with excellent beef, it is a perfect addition to any pizza, sandwich, or whatever you desire. Packaged with a huge amount of pepperoni (it comes in two and five pound implements), this pepperoni can remain refrigerated to maintain its freshness for later consumption.
15. DeLallo Short Stick Pepperoni
This short stick is skillfully created using only the highest value pork and beef meat. The recipe supplies a powerful punch that is full of flavors and zest. Along with its noticeable taste, you’ll enjoy the distinct texture that has always been enticing to many. It’s an ideal choice for gathering or late night snacking, or, of course, on your pizza!
16. Bonici Pepperoni Slices
These natural pepperoni morsels are bursting out of the seams with all of their spicy ingredients. Add in the high-end meats and you have a winning combination. Made with 100% beef and pork and zero by-products, no wonder many pepperoni lovers consider it to be the top brand.
Summary of the Best Quality Pepperoni Brands
Having a top high-quality pepperoni will surely make a great addition to your pizza and your party tray. Adding a high-quality pepperoni helps you provide a fine unique flavor that can easily complement many sliced cheeses and crackers. If you prefer it on top of pies, then you will also surely get some great sliced products that pizzerias utilize.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Other than putting it on pizza, how else can my family and I enjoy pepperoni?
The spicy, zesty taste of pepperoni is, as you probably know, the most popular pizza topping in America. But it can be enjoyed in many other ways! One of our favorite things to do is add high-end pepperoni to my charcuterie and cheese boards when we’re entertaining. We also always add bits of pepperoni and grated parmesan cheese to our pasta salads in the summer. As an extra ingredient, it gives boring old grilled cheese a fun kick. It also makes a unique loaded baked potato topping! Experiment with pepperoni and find new ways to use an old favorite.
Why is pepperoni the most popular pizza topping in America?
As we said before: yes, pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in America. When Italian immigrants came to the United States, many of them opened restaurants in their new country, including pizzerias. The owners of these pizzerias quickly found out that the most popular pizza toppings amongst their customers was pepperoni and cheese: the flavor combination simply was, and still is, a big hit. It’s so popular that over the years pepperoni makers have experimented with producing smaller and larger sized slices and also have embraced making pepperoni with healthier ingredients, such as turkey and soy. America will probably list pepperoni pizza as one of its favorite dishes for many years to come.
Additional Resources:
- Feeling like making your own homemade pepperoni? SpruceEats has your back with this recipe.
- Tired of pizza (although that sounds impossible!)? Find 50 Recipes that Use Pepperoni here at Shareably.
Image Credit via Flickr Creative Commons: “Pepperoni Heart” (CC BY 2.0) by joncutrer
Bryce is not a real professor, but he's real nerdy in the kitchen. He's been barbecuing, chopping, and generally blazing food for many decades. He thinks there's definitely a better spatula or utensil out there that hasn't been invented yet.