What Is Old World Pepperoni? Pizza Recipe & Why It Makes A Difference

Hi pizza lovers! Are you craving a mouth-watering old-world pepperoni pizza? Don’t worry! You need not step out of your comfort zone to hunch your craving. Because I am here with the secret recipe of the old world pepperoni. 

Now, some of you may get confused between a regular and old-school pepperoni pizza. So, you may ask: What is an old-world pepperoni? Well, it is a special pizza prepared with a natural casing, spicy seasoning, and bacterial cultures.

It has a bolder flavor than a regular pepperoni because of the bacterial culture and the spicy seasoning. On the other hand, while cooking, the natural casing includes the curl into ‘cups’. That’s how it can be differentiated from a regular one. 

So, excited to know the recipe for the old-world pepperoni? Keep reading. 

The Difference Between Regular Pepperoni And Old World Pepperoni Pizza

Here are the differences between a regular pepperoni and an old-world pepperoni for those who are confused between the two. 

Regular PepperoniOld World Pepperoni
1. Regular pepperoni is usually made in America1. Old World Pepperoni is generally made in Europe
2. Regular pepperoni looks brighter with a slight orange hue2. When cooked, old-world pepperoni looks like darker red or mahogany 
3. Regular pepperoni is cut into slices and lies flat on a pizza3. Old-world pepperoni looks thicker and curls up at the edges. Thus, it looks like a cup
4. Garlic, chili, and paprika are usually required to make a regular pepperoni4. Old world pepperoni is prepared with a spicy seasoning and bacterial cultures
5. The natural casing is not required to make a regular pepperoni pizza. 5. The natural casing is a must while preparing an old-world pepperoni pizza. 

Old World Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Now is the time to make your old-fashioned pepperoni pizza at home.

Old World Pepperoni

What You Will Need

  • Pizza dough ball: 250 g
  • Tomato sauce: 23 tablespoons
  • Shredded Monterey Mozzarella Cheese: 150 g 
  • Dried Oregano: 23 pinches
  • Sliced Old-World pepperoni: 40 g
  • Parmesan cheese or shredded or grated pecorino cheese: 23 dashes

Ingredients For An Old-World Pepperoni Pizza

  • Pork
  • Beef
  • Salt
  • Corn Syrup 
  • Dextrose
  • Flavorings
  • Lactic Acid
  • Starter Culture
  • Oleoresin of Paprika
  • Paprika
  • Sodium Erythorbate
  • Sodium Nitrite
  • Spices

Step By Step Instruction To Make Homemade Old Pepperoni Pizza 

  • The dough should be balled and left at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to proof in a covered container. 
  • After that, the dough should be shaped with hands or rolled by a rolling pin on a flat surface. 
  • Apply tomato sauce to the dough. After that, spread grated parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Put the rest of the cheese on the dough. Now, the pepperoni should be added according to your choice. 
  • Preheat the oven to 500F and place the pizza on a pizza stone or on the rack using parchment paper. 
  • Depending on your oven, you can prepare the old-world pepperoni pizza in 5 to 15 minutes. When you see a few brown spots the cheese getting bubbly and the pepperoni getting cupped and charred around the edges, take it from the oven. 

Some Tips While Making Your Own Old World Pepperoni Pizza


So now that you know the steps to make your old-school pepperoni pizza, you should also be aware of some tips for making it tastier than ever.

  • Please allow the dough time to rise. Keep the dough in an airtight container and place it in the fridge at least for a week. 
  • Always preheat the oven to make the pizza crispier.
  • While placing it into the oven, always try to use a heavy surface for the pizza dough. 
  • Do not forget to pre-cook your old-school pepperoni pizza. It allows the pizza to crisp and cup up. So, you may keep it in a paper towel and put it in a microwave for at least 30 seconds. 

On Which Stores You Can Find Old World Pepperoni?

  • Aldi
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Publix
  • Safeway
  • Whole Foods
  • Kroger
  • Walmart

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Is The Pepperoni That Curls Up?

Ans. It is the pepperoni that curls up. The pepperoni is also known as ‘cup and char’ pepperoni pizza. It is a special style for making pepperoni pizza that has been quite popular in many countries in Europe and the Midwest. The natural casing is used to prepare the pepperoni that gives it the curls. 

Q2. What Animal Is Pepperoni Made From?

Ans. Generally, a mixture of pork and beef is used to prepare most of the pepperonis. However, many people love to make pepperoni using other meats such as turkey. Pepperonis, especially made of pork, is belly and shoulder. That is why, they include high-fat content. 

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