National Pepperoni Pizza Day

Next National Pepperoni Pizza Day Saturday, 20 September 2025

Mark your calendars for September 20th because National Pepperoni Pizza Day is here, and it's time to turn up the heat on your favorite cheesy slice!

Whether you prefer it crispy, loaded with toppings, or just a classic pepperoni, this day is all about celebrating the beloved pizza that never fails to put a smile on your face.

Enjoy a slice (or several) of this iconic and delicious pepperoni pizza on this day without any guilt.

There are no clear records of as to when National Pepperoni Pizza Day originated, but it was surely done to celebrate this fan favorite food.

National Pepperoni Pizza Day should not be confused with National Pizza Day which is observed on February 9th, National Cheese Pizza Day on September 5th.

The History of Pepperoni Pizza

The spicy Italian-American sausage made from a mixture of pork and beef seasoned with spices became a popular pizza topping in the United States during the 20th century.

The term “pepperoni” comes from the Italian word “peperoni,” which means peppers, even though the sausage itself isn't made from peppers.

The popularity pf pepperoni as a pizza topping surged during the 1950s, that solidified its status as a staple in America's pizza culture. The spicy flavor and crispy texture when baked made it a magical choice for pizza lovers all across.

Easy Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package sliced pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
Prepare Dough: If using pre-made dough, follow the package instructions. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza pan or baking sheet lightly coated with olive oil.
Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Add Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Feel free to add as many as you like for extra pepperoni goodness.
Season: If you like, sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the top for added flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the pizza. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Cool and Slice: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza!