Crispy, slightly spicy pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in America. National Pepperoni Pizza Day, on September 20, celebrates this classic combination. Whether you love flat, crispy slices or little curled 'cups' that hold pools of flavorful oil, pepperoni pizza is a go-to for game nights, parties and weeknight dinners.
History of National Pepperoni Pizza Day
Pepperoni is a spicy salami made from cured pork and beef, seasoned with paprika and chili. Although its name comes from the Italian word 'peperoni', meaning bell peppers, pepperoni is an Italian American creation, developed by Italian immigrants in the United States in the early 20th century. It first appeared in print around 1919 in New York.
Pizza became popular in America after World War II, and pepperoni quickly became the favorite topping. Surveys consistently rank it as the most-ordered pizza topping in the country.
In recent years, 'cup and char' pepperoni, which curls into small cups when baked, has become a popular style, especially in places like Buffalo, New York. Who created National Pepperoni Pizza Day is not documented.
Why National Pepperoni Pizza Day Matters
Pepperoni pizza is a symbol of Italian American food culture, blending Old World traditions with New World creativity.
It's also a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to for parties and gatherings.
The science of pepperoni cupping, caused by different rates of shrinking in the meat and its casing, makes for a fun kitchen experiment.
Pizza nights are also a family tradition in many homes. Ordering from a favorite pizzeria or making homemade pizza on Friday night gives families a relaxed way to end the week together. Letting each person add toppings to their own section of the pie makes everyone happy, and pepperoni is almost always the most requested choice.
How to Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day
- Order a pepperoni pizza: support a local pizzeria.
- Make it at home: top homemade dough with sauce, mozzarella and pepperoni.
- Try cup-and-char: look for natural-casing pepperoni that curls.
- Make pizza rolls: wrap pepperoni and cheese in dough.
- Try a twist: add hot honey or jalapeños.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a pizza party with pepperoni and other options is a classic team treat; include vegetarian options. In classrooms, students can survey classmates' favorite toppings and graph the results, or learn about Italian immigration. At home, families can make pizzas together, arranging pepperoni into fun shapes. Bake pizza in a hot oven for crispy pepperoni.
Fun Facts About National Pepperoni Pizza Day
- Pepperoni is an Italian American creation.
- It first appeared in print around 1919.
- Pepperoni is America's most popular pizza topping.
National Pepperoni Pizza Day FAQs
When is National Pepperoni Pizza Day?
National Pepperoni Pizza Day is September 20.
Is pepperoni Italian?
It's an Italian American creation.
Why does pepperoni curl?
Thin, natural-casing pepperoni shrinks unevenly as it cooks.
What is the most popular pizza topping?
Pepperoni.