Pepperoni is an American variety of salami, made from cured pork and beef seasoned with paprika or other chili pepper. Pepperoni is characteristically soft, slightly smoky, and bright red in color. Thinly sliced pepperoni is a popular pizza topping in American pizzerias.

Why is it called pepperoni?

Pepperoni is borrowed from the word peperoni, the plural of peperone, which is Italian for bell pepper. ... Pepperoni is actually believed to be an American variety of salami. Though some of the spicy salamis in Italy have a similar flavor and color, the first use of pepperoni in print does not show up until 1919.

What is pepperoni called in Italy?

So, for those traveling to Italy who want to sample an authentic Italian version of the American relative pepperoni, depending on where you are, you should ask for salame or salamino piccante, or salsiccia piccante (spicy salame or dried sausage), characteristic mostly of the South. You will not be disappointed.