what kind of meat is pepperoni

Pepperoni is a type of dry sausage primarily made from a mixture of ground pork and beef. Pork is the more typical ingredient, often sourced from fatty cuts such as the shoulder and belly, which give pepperoni its distinctive rich flavor and texture. Beef is also commonly mixed in, and sometimes turkey is used as a substitute in certain varieties. The meat is seasoned with curing salts and spices like paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes. This combination gives pepperoni its signature spicy, smoky, and bright red appearance. It is a cured and fermented sausage, similar to salami but with a finer grain and a spicier profile, notable as a popular pizza topping in America.