Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade pepperoni from scratch with this easy recipe. Whether you want to top your pizzas, sandwiches, or enjoy it as a snack, this semi-dry pepperoni is packed with flavor and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 lb ground beef
Spice Blend:
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons ice water
Optional:
- Natural or collagen casings
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, beef, spices, sugar, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Liquid: Stir in liquid smoke and ice water until the meat is sticky.
- Prepare Casings: If using, soak casings and fill with meat mixture. If not, shape into a log and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 24–48 hours to develop flavors.
- Cook: Preheat oven to 200°F. Bake pepperoni on a wire rack for 6–8 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Slice and Serve: Cool completely before slicing and enjoy!
Notes
- This pepperoni is ideal for pizzas, sandwiches, or snacking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- For a drier texture, consider using a curing agent in a controlled drying environment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
