Pepperoni isn’t shy about its flavor. It’s like that one friend who wears a leopard print jacket to brunch—loud, proud, and unforgettable.
The main spice is paprika, which gives it that deep red color and a mild, smoky sweetness. But the real kick comes from cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Then there’s fennel—yes, that licorice-tasting seed you usually find in Italian sausage. It adds a weird, whispery sweetness that makes you go, “Huh, that tastes good, but I dunno why.”
Garlic powder and black pepper round out the chaos. It’s a spice rack mosh pit in every slice.
