The Most Popular Pizza Topping Doesn't Come From Italy

Like many people, one of my ultimate comfort foods is pizza. Originating from Italy, there is just something about combining high-quality dough, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella cheese. Traditional pizzas are champions for high-quality ingredients and simplicity, with more interesting toppings such as buffalo mozzarella, zucchini, and prosciutto, and they celebrate bold flavors like oregano and anchovies –simple ingredients, but adding these can definitely take a humble pie to new heights. Now, people are spoiled with choices, and there are endless concoctions you can dream of. So much so that it's getting increasingly hard to determine what makes a great pizza and even some toppings continue to divide the world. 

All of these beg the question: If there are so many iterations, what is America's favorite topping? The answer? Pepperoni. To this day, it's still the one topping that America keeps coming back to. It's exceptionally popular that foodies come up with different iterations of how to eat it. 

While Italy is home to pizza, pepperoni is a distinctly American tradition.When the humble pie made its way into America's kitchens, people quickly adapted and evolved it into something that reflected the tastes and preferences of the American people. One adaptation that stuck and quickly became one of — if not the — most popular toppings of all time was the addition of pepperoni: a cured sausage that has a unique blend of spices and smokiness that give this topping its bold flavor.

While salami has its roots in Italy, many claim that Pepperoni was born and made in America. This air-dried spicy salami known as pepperoni first appeared in Italian-American markets following World War I. When Italian immigrants came to the U.S., they began mixing chili peppers, garlic, paprika, and other spices, creating a unique flavor profile that is now known all over the world. Its signature red color gives it its distinctive appearance, while its bold, smoky taste makes it palatable for many people. Pepperoni is the right amount of spice without being too overwhelming – perfect as a topping on a pizza. Even better, these slices of pepperoni crisp and curl up when baked, giving it the most beautiful and delicious texture that is so addictive people tend to ask for more.

Today, pepperoni pizza remains a staple in all of America's pizzerias, restaurants, and pizza chains. It is a steadfast symbol of American food culture and a comfort food that is loved by millions of Americans and people all over the world. Italy might be the home of pizza, but this American addition turns this beautiful dish into a mouthwatering comfort food staple across the globe.