Is Pepperoni Pork Or Beef Or Something Else?

Pepperoni is certainly one of the most popular pizza toppings to date. Besides the incredible combo, many of us are left wondering what it is pepperoni is made of. Is it pork, beef, or something else entirely? Keep reading to find out!

Table of Contents

• What is Pepperoni?
• How is Pepperoni Made?
• Is Pepperoni Pork or Beef?
• What is Pepperoni Typically Used For?
• Different Uses of Pepperoni
• So Is Pepperoni Pork Or Beef?
• FAQs

What is Pepperoni?

Pepperoni is a type of raw sausage commonly used as America’s favorite pizza topping. It is made from cured meat obtained from a variety of animals which may include beef, pork, or turkey. The slices of pepperoni sausage are normally bright red in color and have a soft, smooth texture before they’re cooked to a light crisp.

How is Pepperoni Made?

To make pepperoni, precise cuts of pork and beef are fed through a meat grinder, and depending on the type of cut you want your pepperoni to be, it may need to go through the grinder a second time.

If you’re using ground meat for pepperoni then you must ensure that you have the appropriate fat-to-meat ratio i.e., if more fat is needed, then pork fat is added to the ground meat mixture.

Pepperoni is then flavored with a variety of spices to provide that distinct spicy, meaty pizza topping perfection. The most common spices used are cayenne pepper, black pepper, crushed red pepper, mustard seed, fennel seed, garlic, and paprika.

Then salt and sodium nitrate are added to the meat pepperoni, which is what helps preserve the meat, making it safe to consume without having to cook or refrigerate beforehand. This is an essential step, in ensuring that no type of bacteria growth occurs on the meat, and also helps create the familiar red pepperoni color.

Is All Pepperoni Pork?

Just like steak is synonymous to beef, maybe you’re wondering about pepperoni and pork.

While pepperoni is often made of pork, there are other varieties consisting of both pork and beef.

Is Pepperoni Pork or Beef?

The answer depends on the type of meat used to create the ground meat mixture for pepperoni. Since the pepperoni is a cured meat requiring both ground beef and pork, it can also include turkey meat if desired. Therefore, we can convey with certainty that pepperoni is a combination of both beef and pork, and simply cannot be classed as a single type of meat.

However, there is a variation of pepperoni that is made only with beef. If you really want to know what your pepperoni is made of, then simply take a look at the product information on the packaging.

Pepperoni Ingredients

Apart from the apparent ingredients like pork, beef, and turkey, there is a unique blend of spices that give pepperoni its unique flavor. The most common spices used in pepperoni are listed below:

• Mustard seeds
• Crushed red pepper
• Paprika
• Fennel seeds
• Garlic
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Other spices

This isn’t the substantial array of spices used for every kind of pepperoni sausage. In fact the spice blend depends entirely on the manufacturer of the sausage. Some may choose to have it spicier than others. However, the signature spice that remains is of course the incredible paprika.

Other Types of Pepperoni

Though some of us may prefer our pepperoni no matter what type of meat it is made of, some may follow a specific dietary requirement, restricting them from eating beef and pork entirely. Fortunately, there are some incredible alternatives available.

One of these alternatives includes a turkey pepperoni, which is generally made with the dark meat of the incredible turkey bird. It is also considered a healthier alternative to pork and beef pepperoni. However, the flavor of turkey pepperoni isn’t much different from the pork and beef due to the blend of spices and seasonings used.

What is Pepperoni Typically Used For?

Many of us are no strangers to a terrific pepperoni pizza. Nothing beats the comforting, tomatoey, cheesy, meaty deliciousness that comes with every bite. Place this on a thin and crispy base and you’re in for a treat!

Pepperoni is also used with other pizza toppings, for instance, you might want to go for a veggie pizza, topped with a scattered layer of spicy pepperoni for a spicy finish.

Interestingly, the thinner the slice of pepperoni the more delicious the pizza. The best cut of pepperoni is one that curves upwards when heated, creating a thin, crisp delight.

Pepperoni isn’t only limited to pepperoni pizzas, however. In fact, you can include them in just about anything! This incredibly versatile sausage can be used in all sorts of foods, sandwiches, and wraps. You can also grate, and slice this sausage and add it to salads, omelets, and pasta dishes.

Is Papa John’s Pepperoni Beef or Pork?

Papa John’s pepperoni is a combination of pork, beef, and spices, blended together to create a fantastic pizza topping.

Is Little Caesars Pepperoni Pork?

Little Caesar’s pepperoni, sausage, and bacon toppings are made entirely from pork and not beef.

Is Costco Pepperoni Beef or Pork?

Those who don’t eat pork should be aware that the pepperoni from Costco contains a combination of beef and pork.

Is Subway Pepperoni Pork?

Subway pepperoni tends to use a combination of meats for their pepperoni, although they also have pepperoni that is made of pork only.

Is Dominos Pepperoni Pork?

Dominos pepperoni is a combination of beef, pork, and a blend of unique spices to create a deliciously tangy pizza topping.

Is Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pork?

Yes. Pizza hut’s pepperoni is made with pork, beef, salt, and a unique spice blend.

Different Uses of Pepperoni

While you may have assumed that pepperoni only belongs on pizza, I’d like to swoop in and tell you that you are quite wrong. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy pepperoni, you can add it to anything you like, hell, you can eat it on its own with some crackers and cream cheese if you like!

Here are some delicious ways to include pepperoni in your meals.

Cheese Boards

Pepperoni can easily be added to your cheese boards. The rich flavor of sausage, paired with rich and creamy cheese makes the perfect combination.

Pizza Topping

Of course, the classic way to add pepperoni to your meals is by adding thin slices of this delicious sausage to your pizza, before cooking and devouring.

Pasta Salad

You can certainly add sausages to a cold pasta salad. Pepperoni creates that fun and necessary twist to your pasta salad, with cheese, and roasted red peppers to complement it.

Grilled Sandwiches

If you’re making a grilled cheese sandwich, then don’t forget to add some sliced pepperoni. The delicious and subtly spicy pepperoni will add a hint of spice, and further delight to your simple meal.

Macaroni and Cheese

When you pair creamy and cheesy with salty and spicy, you create a delightful treat. Simply slice and toss your pepperoni into your mac and cheese dish for a mouthwatering bite.

So Is Pepperoni Pork Or Beef?

The answer to this question depends on where you’re purchasing your pepperoni from, and your personal preference. Pepperoni can be made of pork and beef, or pork alone. So which do you fancy?

FAQs